2026 Education Program

Join Erin Miller, Founder and Chef of Urban Hearth, for a dynamic culinary demonstration that blends refined technique with bold, ingredient-driven flavor. A 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northeast and nationally recognized for her thoughtful, seasonal cuisine, Chef Miller brings her signature balance of precision and creativity to the stage.

In this live session, Chef Miller will prepare Pan-Fried Softshell Crab with Tarragon-Lime Beurre Blanc, Smoked Roe, Pickled Celery, and Green Strawberry, a dish that showcases both classical foundations and modern coastal elegance. Attendees will gain practical insights into the cleaning and handling of softshell crab, explore different cooking and breading approaches, and watch a live pan-frying technique using a light cornmeal batter designed for delicate crispness.

Beyond the crab, Chef Miller will demystify the fundamentals of beurre blanc, including emulsification, temperature control, and flavor balancing, while demonstrating the incorporation of smoked roe for depth and nuance. The session concludes with plating and garnishing strategies that elevate both visual presentation and guest experience.

This demo offers valuable takeaways for chefs, operators, and culinary professionals seeking to refine technique, enhance menu development, and deepen their understanding of ingredient-forward cooking.