Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Hosts Annual "Fish to Fork" Culinary Weekend to Benefit the James Beard Foundation

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla., March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort announces the second annual "Fish to Fork" culinary weekend in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation from April 30- May 3, 2015, benefitting the James Beard Foundation scholarship program.

Building on last year's successful event and featuring new exciting activities, the 2015 "Fish to Fork" culinary weekend is an unmatched "foodie" experience with true farm-to-table and dock-to-dish specialties creating one-of-a-kind dining opportunities. "Fish to Fork" festivities challenge six award-winning chefs from around the country to join Amelia Island charter captains for a fishing excursion before turning their catch-of-the-day into scrumptious seafood during the weekend's main event. Additional resort activities available "Fish to Fork" weekend include interactive chef-led cooking classes, exclusive spirit tastings, the opportunity to fish alongside the chefs and more.

The culinary competition will culminate in a chef showdown on Saturday, May 2 from 6-9 p.m. featuring five renowned visiting chefs as well as the incredibly talented Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Executive Chef Daven Wardynski. This year's competitors include 2015 James Beard Award semifinalist, Kathleen Blake of Orlando's The Rusty Spoon, three-time James Beard Award semifinalist Hector Santiago, previous owner of Atlanta's award-winning Pura Vida restaurant and current owner of El Super Pan slated to open in Atlanta in fall 2015. Also competing are previous James Beard Award semifinalist for "Best Chef South," Tom Gray of Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in Jacksonville, Fla; owner, executive chef and wine director of The Fig Tree in Charlotte, NC Greg Zanitsch; and grilling guru Linkie Marais who became a household name when she competed on the Food Network's hit show "Next Food Network Star." The main event showcases the chef's skills as they compete in individual and group challenges; transforming a secret ingredient and local seafood sourced during their fishing excursions into delectable delicacies. The chefs will ultimately be tested with a live vote from guests who sample dishes throughout the event. Tickets are available to purchase for $95 by calling 1-800-648-9999. Additional information is available at www.fish-to-fork.com.

VIP, weekend and main event travel packages are available for purchase now though April 29, 2015, offering varying amenities, accommodations and tickets to the main event.

FISH TO FORK TRAVEL PACKAGES:
*All packages are based on double occupancy

Fish to Fork VIP Package
April 30 - May 3

• Three nights luxury accommodations
• Welcome cocktails and dinner with the chefs
• Opportunity to fish with an Amelia Island charter captain
• Opportunity to enjoy a private luncheon at the resort's Oceanside restaurant
• Wine paired dinner at the Sunrise Cafe overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean
• Farm-to-table lunch at The Sprouting Project; a stunning on-property aquaponic greenhouse and organic garden
• Two tickets to the main event

Weekend Package
May 1 – May 3

• Two nights luxury accommodations
• Wine paired dinner at the Sunrise Cafe overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean
• Farm-to-table lunch at The Sprouting Project; a stunning on-property aquaponic greenhouse and organic garden
• Two tickets to the main event

Main Event Package
May 2 – May 3

• One night luxury accommodations
• Two tickets to the main event

FISH TO FORK WEEKEND ACTIVITIES:

In addition to the travel packages, locals and resort guests can register for the below "Fish to Fork" weekend activities by calling 904-261-6161 and asking for reservations.

Chef-Led Cooking Class and Gourmet Breakfast

• 90 minute interactive experience
• May 1 at 9 a.m. or May 2 at 9 a.m.
• $65 plus taxes and gratuity

Rum + Tequila Experience or Bourbon Tasting

• 60 minute interactive experience
• May 1 at 2 p.m. or May 2 at 2 p.m.
• $40 plus taxes and gratuity

Sunday Brunch in Sunrise Cafe

• May 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• $30 plus taxes and gratuity

About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Still basking in the glow of an extensive $85 million re-imagination, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is Florida's award-winning island destination. Recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, the oceanfront retreat, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla., is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. Situated on the 1,350-acres of the Amelia Island Plantation Resort, the property's improvements include 404 luxury oceanfront guest rooms and suites; the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida including tiered lounge seating, an adults-only infinity edge pool, a family friendly pool, kids' splash area, two hot tubs, and fire features, all boasting spectacular Atlantic views; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; and a variety of new culinary options. Rich in recreational amenities, the resort also offers three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beach; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; award-winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and a nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including kayaking, horseback riding, Segway tours and seven miles of paved trails. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation feature 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort offers authentic, genuine guest experiences with AAA Four-Diamond service and the expectations of the Omni brand.

For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com. To engage with the resort, visit www.facebook.com/AmeliaIslandPlantation and www.twitter.com/AIP_Resort.

Media Contact:
Kathryn Wolter
850-668-2222
[email protected]

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SOURCE Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

Related Links

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