Em Ecker: The Culinary Journey of Executive Chef at King Neptune

For Em Ecker, becoming an Executive Chef was never a matter of if, but when. Growing up on a farm in Maryland, her love for cooking took root at a young age. Em was surrounded by the rich traditions of family meals and freshly harvested ingredients. Whether canning vegetables in the winter or watching her aunts and grandmother prepare Sunday dinner, the kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth, connection, and creativity. However, it was the time spent in her Greek Uncle Paul's kitchen at the age of eight that truly ignited her passion. Witnessing his fiery dedication to the craft made Em realize that she was destined for a culinary career.

Executive Chef Em Ecker of King Neptune

Em's Unique Path to Culinary Success

Rather than following the traditional route of culinary school, Em built her journey on hands-on experience. She worked tirelessly through various restaurant positions, learning from every mentor and challenge along the way. With each step, Em honed her skills and developed a style that is uniquely her own. Now, as the Executive Chef at King Neptune, she brings a wealth of experience, a deep passion for food, and a vision for elevating the culinary scene in her community.

When the owners, Jimmy and Keaton, approached her about the position at King Neptune, it was an immediate alignment of goals and vision. Together, they are committed to creating something special—setting King Neptune apart and raising the bar for culinary experiences in the city. Em Ecker is more than ready to lead this exciting chapter and share her journey through the flavors and stories that King Neptune offers.

What Makes King Neptune Exceptional?

What makes King Neptune stand out? First and foremost, it is the oldest-running restaurant in New Hanover County, having opened its doors in 1947! Though it has changed hands many times over the years, Em feels honored to continue this legacy while offering something fresh in this historic Wrightsville Beach establishment.

King Neptune's commitment to high-quality, delicious, integrity-made food truly sets it apart. They are proud to be the first and only restaurant in New Hanover and neighboring counties verified as a Seed-Oil-Free Establishment by Seed Oil Scout.

The team carefully reviews and selects ingredients to eliminate seed oils, which can diminish flavors and pose health risks. Instead, they opt for natural animal fats like tallow, lard, and butter, along with high-quality olive and avocado oils. This approach infuses depth of flavor into their dishes. They source nearly all ingredients from local farms in the area, showcasing the freshest produce, meat, and dairy available. Sometimes, vegetables are pulled from the ground in the morning and served the same day—an aspect that brings Em immense joy. Additionally, King Neptune employs a reverse osmosis water filtration system for guests' drinking water and cooking, ensuring the best quality.

The Culinary Philosophy Behind Em's Cooking

Simplicity and Comfort

Em describes her cooking style as rooted in quality, simplicity, and comfort. It revolves around showcasing beautiful, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. She focuses on creating down-home comfort foods that not only taste delicious but also nourish the body. She loves surprising diners with ingredients they might not usually choose or think they dislike, transforming their perceptions with the rich flavors of farm-fresh produce and meat, all without seed oils. It's a beautiful culinary transformation that excites both her and her guests.

A Drive for Health and Wellness

Her culinary philosophy is influenced significantly by her wife, Kim, a health coach. Her commitment to holistic wellness and nutrition encourages Em to expand her culinary boundaries. Kim’s insights have deepened Em's understanding of the relationship between food and health. This inspiration drives Em's mission to offer dishes that are not only delightful for the palate but also serve as wholesome nourishment.

Em finds that food is her love language. It has the power to bring people together, inspire joy, and foster connections. She is inspired daily by her enthusiastic team members, who are eager to learn and refine their skills. Their dedication encourages her to be the best leader and chef she can be.

Fun Facts About Em Ecker

More Than Just a Chef

People who see Em only in "Chef Mode" may not realize that she has a big heart outside the kitchen. She has a nurturing side, lovingly described by Kim as someone who is always "collecting strays," whether animals or people. Em has a soft spot for the underdog and values creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels accepted and appreciated.

Culinary Favorites

When asked about her current favorite dish on the menu, Em enthusiastically exclaims that it is the Maryland Crab Cakes. Having grown up making and enjoying crab cakes, she finds joy in sharing a taste of her home with her North Carolina community.

Her affection for local ingredients shines through when she talks about Morgan's sweet potatoes from Red Beard Farm. These locally grown gems are featured prominently on the menu, including a delightful sweet potato hash accompanying salmon, as well as crispy fingerling sweet potatoes fried in beef tallow. Not to mention, the pastry chef creates sweet potato biscuits, the perfect base for their Chicken n' Biscuit—an undeniable crowd favorite.

The Culinary Experience of a Lifetime

Reflecting on her culinary journey, Em recalls a remarkable meal at a self-sustaining restaurant in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, known for its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. The unforgettable experience was a blend of flavors that showcased the beauty of resourcefulness in culinary art.

A Personal Touch: Music and Comfort Foods

Em also enjoys sharing personal aspects of her life with guests. He may only have limited travel experiences, but he cherishes camping trips, where some of his most memorable meals were cooked over a fire. He is currently looking forward to exploring Charleston to experience its renowned food scene.

When comfort food comes to mind, Em's heart warms at the thought of his Ma's spaghetti, which embodies love, warmth, and family—a dish that transcends mere sustenance to become a deeply cherished memory.

Advice for Home Cooks

In her own words, Em offers this advice: "Cook with intention, cook with love." She reminds home cooks to maintain the passion that drives their culinary creations. She encourages them to experiment and draw inspiration from their surroundings. Ultimately, simplicity will always be your ally in the kitchen.

Facing challenges is part of the process; remember that every great dish starts with a single ingredient, and every great chef begins their journey with a single step. Keep pushing forward, and above all, cook with love!