The sixth annual Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival, planned for March 20-21 at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, features acclaimed Atlanta chef and author Steven Satterfield and benefits local children's arts and education organizations.
The event also features a live demonstration by Atlanta artist Thomas Arvid, renowned for his oversized, highly realistic wine-themed paintings.
The event begins at 7 p.m. March 20 with a sponsors-only dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse, one of the lodge's restaurants. The resort's new executive chef Andrew Litherland, whose resume includes executive chef positions at Ritz-Carlton properties in downtown Atlanta and Buckhead, will prepare a five-course meal paired with fine wines.
The festival’s main event, the grand tasting, featuring cuisine from regional chefs paired with tastings of more than 100 wines, is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 21. A silent auction benefiting the Gatewood School, the Oconee Performing Arts Society’s Educational and Outreach program, the Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation and other organizations will be held that evening as well.
General admission tickets to the grand tasting are $85. VIP tickets are $250 each and offer access to the VIP lounge hosted by The Local Palate.
Satterfield, executive chef and co-owner of Miller Union and author of the new cookbook “Root to Leaf,” will headline the VIP experience, including a live cooking demonstration pairing farm-to-table cooking with carefully crafted cocktails. VIP guests also will be able to purchase signed copies of “Root to Leaf.”
Edward Leonard, the new executive chef and director of culinary operations at Reynolds Plantation and author of seven cookbooks, is part of the festival lineup. Guest chefs include Gerald Schmidt, executive chef and director of food and beverage at Cuscowilla Golf Club and Resort in Eatonton; Fabio Capparelli, executive chef and managing partner at Blue Culina Restaurant in Lake Oconee; Adam Smith, executive chef and owner of Smith's Coastal Grill in Eatonton; and Jeffrey Miller, senior sous chef at Cuscowilla Golf Club and Resort.
"It is an honor to welcome such distinguished chefs and artists," said Ralph Vick, general manager at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation. "I am excited to highlight our resort and showcase all that we have to offer while celebrating fine food, wine and community."
Added event chair Teresa Doster: "The festival celebrates great wine and food while showcasing our beautiful Lake Oconee area."
To learn more about becoming a festival sponsor, call 770-722-8706.
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