Friday, March 20, 2009

A Taste of Glynn: An Evening with the area's Best Chefs

Chefs from throughout Brunswick and the Golden Isles are polishing up their utensils and getting ready for "A Taste of Glynn," Sunday March 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. This annual fundraiser benefits the Amity House women's shelter in Brunswick, and provides a wonderful opportunity for area restaurants and caterers to show off their skills and their signature dishes.

The event takes place on the lawn of the King and Prince, right next to the water – a perfect venue for an event that typically attracts 1,000 to 1,200 people for an evening of culinary delights, silent auctions and live entertainment.

"It's definitely one of the major social events of the year," says Sherry Ellis, co-chair of the Taste of Glynn Committee. "We've had many people tell us that A Taste of Glynn is the kickoff for the spring social season."

Twenty-five restaurants and caterers will compete for awards in judged and People's Choice competitions. Awards will be presented various food categories including appetizers, desserts, seafood, etc. An award also will be given for overall presentation.

"The level of presentation seems to get better each year," Ellis says. "It has really become a lot of fun, with a lot creativity in serving containers, decorating and more.

"Our local restaurants and caterers take this very seriously, and there is a great level of competition among them. The winners proudly display their awards, and feature their winning items in their menus."

Great food is only part of the experience. This year, A Taste of Glynn will feature live entertainment by three different performing groups – "Three of Us," "The Not Brothers" and jazz saxophonist Michael Hulett.

One of the highlights of the event is the Platinum Silent Auction. This year's auction includes vacation trips to Duck and Murphy, NC as well as South Beach in Miami; a "Dessert of the Month" package; a women's bike and a platinum and diamond ring, among others. And, of course, there will be the traditional wine raffle.

Ellis is pleased to announce the release of a brand new "Taste of Glynn" cookbook, which will make its debut at this year's event. "It includes 400 recipes from chefs and caterers that have taken part in A Taste of Glynn over the past nine years," she explained. "It has absolutely gorgeous photos of many of the dishes, and is beautifully done. It will make a very nice gift for anyone who likes to cook or just collect cookbooks."

A Taste of Glynn is presented by Moore Stephens Tiller, LLC and MST Wealth Management, LLC, as well as 20 area businesses and individuals. Special thanks to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort for their very generous support of the event.

Tickets are $40 per person in advance, or $50 at the door. They can be purchased by calling Amity House (912) 264-1348 or picking them up at Moore Stephens Tiller and MST Wealth Management Brunswick Office,The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, or SunTrust Bank on Demere Road St. Simons Island.

SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR A TASTE OF GLYNN
Free shuttle service for A Taste of Glynn patrons will be provided from Masengale Park on Ocean Boulevard, St. Simons Island, to the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort. Shuttle service will begin at 3:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS
  • Bennie's Red Barn, St. Simons Island
  • Blackwater Grill, St. Simons Island
  • Bonefish Grill, St. Simons Island
  • Millhouse Steakhouse, Brunswick
  • Cargo Portside Grill, Brunswick
  • Coastal Kitchen, St. Simons Island
  • 4th of May Cafe, St. Simons Island
  • Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island
  • Gourmet to You, by Tanya
  • Jekyll Island Club Hotel
  • J Macs, St. Simons Island
  • Los Arcos, Brunswick
  • Palm Coast Coffee, St. Simons Island
  • Purple Sage Catering
  • Red Red Swine
  • Sea Palms Resort, St. Simons Island
  • Smokey Joe's BBQ, Brunswick
  • Southern Soul, St. Simons Island
  • Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick
  • Straton Hall Catering and Special Events
  • Tasteful Temptations
  • The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island
  • Wee Pub, Brunswick
Photo Credit: Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography