Six top chefs from Benchmark, a global hospitality company, will blend current trends, singular local ingredients and classic American traditions to celebrate regional American cuisine at the James Beard House in New York City. The dinner’s theme, A Cross-Country Culinary Adventure, introduces a range of innovative dishes that blend a multitude of distinctive flavors, hearkening the recent joining and infusion of Benchmark and Gemstone. Fish fresh from Florida waters, succulent beef from the ranches of Oregon’s Painted Mountains and Tennessee whiskey all enliven the menu, and include chefs from both of Benchmark’s brands: Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and the new Gemstone Collection. The Benchmark Holiday Dinner is scheduled at the James Beard House on Dec. 1.
“These are exceptional examples of the creativity of our chefs, who represent a blend of culinary excellence from both the Benchmark and the Gemstone portfolios,” says Tom Garcia, VP food & beverage at Benchmark. The menu also reflects the growing demand for fresh, local ingredients from area farmers, fishers and artisans from every part of the country. Garcia also notes that several new culinary trends are incorporated into the menu.
The creators of this celebration of American cuisine are:
John Andreola
The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property
John Billings
Eaglewood Resort & Spa, Itasca, Ill.
Jenae Christiansen
The Gilchrist Club, Trenton, Fla.
A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property
Jason Jonilonis
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Bobby Moore
Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Wash.
A Gemstone Collection property
Cara De Lavallade, Sommelier
Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Wash.
A Gemstone Collection property