Reynolds Plantation, Ritz-Carlton to host Celebrity Chef Classic

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, October 7, 2009

What happens when world-renowned golf is paired with outstanding cuisine? A perfectly matched weekend. And that’s what guests at the upcoming third annual Golf Digest Publications Celebrity Chef Classic will experience with its new home at Reynolds Plantation.

Participants have the opportunity to choose from a variety of different packages to satisfy both their golf and culinary passions while accommodations will be provided by the Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton Lodge. The inspiring event is scheduled to take place Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.

This exclusive event offers ample opportunities to linger longer on two of Reynolds Plantation’s celebrated golf courses: Reynolds Landing, regarded as one of Georgia’s top courses, and The Oconee Course, the challenging layout designed by legendary course architect Rees Jones. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to learn the latest trends in golf from Golf Digest Senior Editor Stina Sternberg.

Throughout the weekend, there will be many occasions to interact with the participating chefs, from exclusive receptions to brunches and cooking demonstrations.

Special guest and renowned chef Ming Tsai will preside over the Friday evening Gala Dinner that includes cocktail reception and a seated three-course gourmet dinner and live auction, which will benefit Lake Oconee Academy. Chef Tsai will also present an intimate cooking demonstration and dining experience at a special brunch on Saturday afternoon. Recognized as “the foremost interpreter of East-West cuisine in America today,” Ming Tsai is the host/executive producer of Simply Ming on Public Television and chef/owner of Boston’s Blue Ginger. The author of three cookbooks, Ming Tsai is also a founding member of Chefs for Humanity, a charity organization created in response to the needs of those devastated by the tsunami in 2005. They organize fund raising and relief activities for those in need around the world.

For Saturday evening, The Lodge’s Chef Scott Gambone has assembled a dazzling ensemble of creative talent — his peers and friends — members of the elite club that is the Executive Chefs of The Ritz-Carlton. These are the crème de la crème of the culinary world, men whose rare talents have successfully married the mastery of technique with inherent talent to create the most innovative and exciting food on the planet. The combined culinary force from The Ritz-Carltons of Georgia will present Saturday evening’s dinner with first course by Yves Samake, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta ; second course by Chef Andrew Litherland, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead; third presentation by Chef Gambone; and complete with the spectacular confectionery creations of Executive Pastry Chef Brian Sundeen.

The setting for the weekend’s festivities is the sparkling Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

Complete details, including registration information, can be found online at www.celebritychefclassic.com.