Spring onions kick off the season in high gear as Vivian takes a break from penning her first cookbook to prepare a benefit dinner at Lomax Farm in Cabarrus County, NC. Even though The Avett Brothers make an appearance, the underdog onion steals the show, playing both star and support.

After a summer away, Vivian returns to the restaurant and a staff of new faces. She also asks a favor of an avid home chef: test her cookbook recipes.

As a visit from her editor accelerates book preparations, Vivian reckons with handing over the restaurant reins to John and Justise. A tutorial in “beatin’ peas” delivered by a 92 year-old expert is an entertaining and therapeutic history lesson.

Vivian’s summer itinerary picks up with a 14-day photoshoot as she preps for a first-time trip to Feast Portland. Sam Jones and Miss Lillie share old-school cabbage recipes that influence what Vivian prepares for the festival.

Vivian explores Portland, Ore., prior to preparing the BBQ cabbage for Feast Portland.

Vivian demonstrates rabbit processing during a visit to the Carolina Meat Conference; and is depressed at the prospect of losing a cherished staff member at the restaurant.

Vivian learns about farm-raised catfish; and a staff member's last day at the restaurant arrives.

Flo and Theo's pre-school class visits the restaurant, but slow service makes everyone antsy. In other events, Vivian turns to an old friend for help when a sunchoke dish doesn't work.

A view behind-the-scenes reveals the hot and cold of curing ham. At a New York dinner party hosted in her honor, Vivian serves up a gift of North Carolina seasoning meats --the pig tails, ham hocks, and fatback that give Carolina cuisine its quintessential kick. While in the Big Apple, a visit with her publisher reveals an itinerary certain to make for an ambitious autumn.

Vivian holds a mayo blind taste test and a surprise brand takes top prize. After a new chef takes the reins, her diminishing role at the restaurant becomes clearer. Vivian’s long-held vacation plans are stifled by a series of strange events.