Ashleigh Shanti Ashleigh Shanti is an American chef and sommelier. She was the chef de cuisine of Benne on Eagle in Asheville, North Carolina. She specializes in African American foodways, including Black Appalachian food. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.