We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend, Charlie Abowd. Please see the article below, from an interview we did with Charlie in October.
Charlie Abowd, a renowned and James Beard award-winning chef based in Carson City, Nevada, has long been a beloved figure in the local culinary scene, and he joins us again for the 4th annual Ag & Artisan Holiday Faire. Known for his passion for fresh, local ingredients, Abowd has spent his career championing sustainable food practices, supporting local farmers, and creating dishes that celebrate the unique flavors of the region. His journey, which began in the produce markets of Oakland, California, has culminated in a celebrated career and a successful cookbook, co-written by Karel C. Ancona, titled Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot.
From Farmer’s Markets to Fine Dining
Charlie’s commitment to local ingredients began early. Growing up, he would accompany his father to open-air markets, where they sourced the freshest produce for their family restaurant. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality ingredients, something he carried forward when he took over his family’s restaurant in Carson City.
“If I had the best products, my job became easier because now all I had to worry about was not screwing it up,” Charlie reflects.
Charlie’s use of local meats and produce is not just a culinary choice; it’s a philosophy. Over the years, he developed relationships with local farmers, sourcing everything from herbs to meats directly from the people who grew them. He credits this approach with allowing him to create authentic, memorable dishes that speak to the heritage and taste of the region.
The Genesis of “Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot”
Charlie’s cookbook, Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot, is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a journey through his culinary career, filled with stories, memories, and the flavors that have defined his life. Inspired by his regular columns in the Nevada Appeal and encouraged by a dear cousin who was a fellow foodie, Charlie compiled his favorite recipes into a book that captures his passion for cooking and storytelling.
The book includes recipes that range from traditional favorites to inventive dishes, all created with the home cook in mind.
“I wanted to make recipes that people could do at home without spending days preparing,” Charlie explains.
One of the standout recipes, his Turkey and Sourdough Stuffing with apples, cranberries, walnuts, and kielbasa, is a fan favorite and has become a holiday staple for many. And, if you purchase a turkey from Carson Valley Meats in November or December, you will receive a copy of Charlie’s recipe!
Challenges and Resilience
The journey to publishing Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot was not without its challenges. After contracting COVID-19 and experiencing a severe reaction to the vaccine, Charlie spent months recuperating. During this time, he found solace in writing and planning the cookbook.
“It was a long road, but it gave me the time to put this together,” he recalls. Charlie’s resilience in the face of adversity, including the tragic fire that closed Adele’s forever, is a testament to his dedication to his craft.
Despite health challenges, Charlie remains a prominent figure in the community. He continues to support local agricultural efforts, working closely with organizations like the Greenhouse Project, which is championed by his wife, Karen, FFA, and 4-H.
“If we don’t have farmers, we don’t have food,” he says simply, underscoring the importance of sustaining local agriculture.
A Legacy of Support for Local Agriculture
Charlie’s commitment extends beyond his own kitchen. He has been a vocal advocate for local meat processing and the importance of sustainable, locally-sourced proteins. He praises efforts by local producers, ranchers and processors, such as those led by his wife and the Park family, to create more opportunities for small farmers and ranchers to bring their products to market. Charlie was an avid supporter of Karin’s quest to open a meat processing facility in Northern Nevada.
“It’s a tough business, and the rules are often skewed in favor of big agriculture,” he notes, but he remains optimistic about the strides being made in his community.
For Charlie, supporting local agriculture is personal. He recalls attending agricultural shows and sponsoring youth projects, often buying pigs from young farmers to use in his restaurant.
“It’s part of who I am, and I think it’s so important for people to be involved,” he shares. Charlie’s sense of ownership and pride in his community is at the heart of everything he does.
Looking Ahead
As Charlie prepares for another appearance at the Ag & Artisan Holiday Faire, where he will be promoting and signing his cookbook, he reflects on the future of local agriculture and the importance of youth engagement. Programs like FFA and 4-H, which have seen tremendous growth in recent years, give him hope for the future.
“It opens up different doors for young people, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and take pride in their work,” he says.
Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot is not just a cookbook; it’s a reflection of a life spent occupied with his life passions – food, music, politics and his family. Charlie spent his early years in the Bay Area during the turbulent 1960s promoting and doing stage lighting for concerts while learning the art of cooking from his parents in their restaurants.
In 40 remarkable years with Adele’s, Charlie served the finest meals in Carson City to regular patrons, out-of-town guests, celebrities and, during the legislative session in particular, elected officials from around the state and beyond. He can now be found in the kitchen, at the market, and in the community, providing private meals in the service of local nonprofits.
Charlie Abowd’s passion for food, music, politics and local agriculture has left a lasting impact on Carson City, and his cookbook ensures that his legacy of delicious, thoughtfully-prepared food, local history and a wonderful family history will be enjoyed for generations to come.
For those looking to get a taste of Charlie’s cooking, his cookbook Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele’s a Nevada Hot Spot is available on Amazon and at local bookstores. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, it promises to bring the flavors of Nevada’s local farms right to your kitchen.