Elegant Island Living Magazine Photo Shoot

The June issue of Elegant Island Living Magazine includes a feature story on entertaining outdoors. Photographed by John Toth of The Darkroom on St. Simons Island, "A Taste of Summer" includes recipes from the "A Taste of Glynn Cookbook," which is a fundraiser for Amity House, Hope House and other Glynn Community Crisis Center programs and activities.

The spread was photographed at the beautiful St. Simons Island home of Adgate and Dargan Cole, and featured a variety of Elegant Island Living friends and associates from throughout the area. Too see the article online, visit the Elegant Island Living's website by clicking this link.

Photos of Winning Restaurants and Caterers

Bonefish Grill

Winner, Seafood - "Ahi Tuna Sushimi"
Runner up, Appetizer - "Ahi Tuna Sushimi"

CARGO Portside Grill

Winner, Gourmet - "Homemade Linguini with Prosciutto, Sage and Mushroom Cream"

Winner, Soup - "Curried Crab and Sweet Corn Chowder"

Fireside Tex Mex Cafe

Winner, International - "Mexican Rice Bowl"

Jerk Shack

Runner up, International - "Jerk Chicken"

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Winner, People's Choice - "Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits"

Moo Cow Cream

Runner up, Dessert - "Candied Bacon Ice Cream"

Ocean Lodge

Winner, Appetizer - "Blue Crab and Fried Green Tomato Napoleon"

Tablescape, Restaurant

Purple Sage Catering

Winner, Dessert - "Nanner Pudding"

Runner up, Health Conscious - "Grilled Vegetable Terrine"

Runner up, Gourmet - "Pork Osso Bucco with Rutabaga Mash and Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw"

Right On Q Barbeque

Winner, Barbecue - "Ribs with Sweet Heat"

Southeast Georgia Health System/Morrison

Winner, Health Conscious - "Baja Shrimp Taco Bites"

Runner up, Seafood - "Baja Shrimp Taco Bites"

Tasteful Temptations Catering

Tablescape, Caterer

Runner up, People's Choice Award - "Citrus Grilled Lobster Tail,
Strawberry Shortcake, Artichoke Crusted Beef, Crab Chowder"

McGarvey's Wee Pub
Runner Up, Soup - "Homemade Potato Soup in a Bread Bowl"

Photos by Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography

Video from Elegant Island Living TV

Thanks to Elegant Island Living TV, for posting this great video from A Taste of Glynn!

http://bcove.me/x4coeknf

Congratulations to our winning restaurants and caterers!

Congratulations to these winners in the judged competition, with descriptions of their entries:

APPETIZERS

Winner: Ocean Lodge, "Blue Crab and Fried Green Tomatoes Napoleon," blue crab and shrimp cakes stacked between fried green tomatoes. The napoleon rest atop a bed of corn and black bean salsa. Cajun rémoulade and red pepper coulis accompany it.

Runner up: Bonefish Grill, "Ahi Tuna Sashimi," sesame seared with wasabi and pickled ginger.


SOUP

Winner: CARGO Portside Grill, "Curried Crab and Sweet Corn Chowder," lump crabmeat and applewood smoked bacon with sweet corn, sweet potatoes and a crispy wonton crouton.

Runner up: McGarvey's Wee Pub, "Homemade Potato Soup in a Bread Bowl," a hearty potato soup in a sourdough bread bowl garnished with fresh chives, shredded cheddar jack cheese and applewood smoked bacon bits.


HEALTH CONSCIOUS

Winner: Southeast Georgia Health System/Morrison, "Baja Shrimp Taco Bites," a little taste of the Southwest featuring a blend of sauteed shrimp, chipotle spiced cole slaw and fresh jalapeño marmelade served on a crisp tortilla round.

Runner up: Purple Sage Catering, "Grilled Vegetable Terrine," a combination of grilled tofu and vegetables that include eggplant, zucchini, carrots, red and yellow peppers. It is held together with a rich tomato aspic, served with Mediterranean quinoa Salad and garnished with seasoned kale chips.

BARBECUE

Winner: Right on Q Barbecue, "Ribs with Sweet Heat," St. Louis style ribs dry rubbed with our award-winning rub. Smoked low and slow with white oak and pecan wood. Served with our award-winning "sweet heat" BBQ sauce on the side.

INTERNATIONAL

Winner: Fireside Tex Mex Grill, "Mexican Rice Bowl," Mini fried tortillas filled with rice, taco meat, refried beans and topped with queso cheese sauce.

Runner up: Jerk Shack, "Jerk Chicken," Jamaican jerk spice – two principal ingredients, allspice and scotch bonnet peppers – plus other ingredients including cloves, cinnamon, scallions, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. After marinating the meat is grilled, enhancing its smokey, spicy flavor.

SEAFOOD

Winner: Bonefish Grill, "Ahi Tuna Sashimi."

Runner up: Southeast Georgia Health System/Morrison," Baja Shrimp Taco Bites."

GOURMET

Winner: CARGO Portside Grill, "Homemade Linguini with prosciutto, sage and mushroom cream," fresh rolled pasta with prosciutto ham in a creamy sauce.

Runner up: Purple Sage Catering, "Pork Osso Bucco with Rutabaga Mash and Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw," a play on the classic Osso Bucco, we use a Berkshire pork plank. Berkshire pork is the "Kobe" of the pork world, rich and well marbled. It is dusted with ancho chili and cocoa, then slow braised to absolute tenderness. It is paired with a mash of rutabaga and potato and a warm brussels sprouts Slaw laced with grain mustard. The sauce is a pureed reduction of the braising liquid and roasted vegetables.

DESSERT

Winner: Purple Sage Catering, "Nanner Pudding," our own twist on a Southern classic, using house made pure vanilla cookies, dried banana crisps and a creamy banana flavored pudding made with fresh, traditional ingredients. We top it off with a fresh banana coin that has been coated with turbinado sugar and brûléed.

Runner up: Moo Cow Cream, "Candied Bacon Ice Cream," candies and bacon ice cream served on a waffle.

TABLESCAPE

Caterer: Tasteful Temptations

Restaurant: Ocean Lodge

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS


Winner: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Runner up: Tasteful Temptations

A big thanks to all the restaurants and caterers who participated in this year's A Taste of Glynn! Your generous contribution of time, talent and food will help Amity House, Hope House and other programs for victims of domestic violence.

Palmer's Village Cafe - St. Simons Island

There are few better gifts than to enjoy your work, and all the chefs and caterers I interviewed exemplify passion for their craft. It was a special pleasure meeting John Belechak and Palmer Fortune of Palmer's Village Cafe on St. Simons Island. They made me laugh and had some great things to say about their work, and the work done by all the volunteers for Amity House and Hope House.

Georgia Sea Grill - St. Simons Island

The folks at Georgia Sea Grill on St. Simons Island let their food speak for itself, and it does so very well indeed. Chef Jeff Brzezinski is planning some tasty seafood treats for this year's A Taste of Glynn.

McGarvey's Wee Pub - Brunswick

McGarvey's Wee Pub in Brunswick had a great showing at last year's A Taste of Glynn, taking second place in soups and first place in desserts, with their yummy bread pudding. They're bring both of those items back this year, along with a couple of other surprises! Sláinte!

Cartoonist Jack Davis to autograph coloring books at A Taste of Glynn

Beloved St. Simons Island cartoonist Jack Davis will sign copies of his children's coloring book, "Color Your Way Through The Golden Isles with Edgar," from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the 11^th annual A Taste of Glynn, Sunday March 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island.

Davis created the coloring book as a fundraiser for the benefit of Amity House and Hope House, which provide emergency shelter (Amity House) and a two-year transitional living program (Hope House) for victims of domestic violence. Throughout the book the title character, Edgar, visits scenes in the Golden Isles including East Beach, Fort Frederica National Monument, bike riding on Jekyll Island, tennis on Sea Island and others.

An Atlanta native, Davis is best known for his work in MAD Magazine. Since his retirement to the Georgia coast, he has provided illustration for a number local of organizations and charitable events. Davis will be available to sign copies of the coloring book from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

A Taste of Glynn is the annual fundraiser for Glynn Community Crisis Center, which has provided services to victims of domestic violence in southeast Georgia since 1983. In addition to Amity House and Hope House, GCCC operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and provides an array of services including individual and group counseling, personal advocacy, legal assistance, transportation, relocation assistance, financial assistance and more.

Information can be found online at www.atasteofglynn.com, or call Amity House at 912-264-1348.

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Millhouse Steakhouse - Brunswick

Millhouse Steakhouse has been a Taste of Glynn participant ever since the restaurant opened six years ago. According to Tom Jones, it has been a great relationship from the start!

Southeast Georgia Health System/Morrison - Brunswick

Imagine having to prepare special meals to meet eight or ten different dietary needs, three times a day, 365 days a year. It's no sweat for the folks at Southeast Georgia Health System/Morrisons, who do this AND prepare and serve delicious meals in the hospital cafeteria and coffee shop. They look forward to participating in A Taste of Glynn, and they're out to win!

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel - Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island has long been a popular destination for weddings. It's not unusual to have two or three weddings taking place concurrently in Jekyll Island's National Historic Landmark District, and the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is there to serve them all with memorable, creative functions!

'Bowl-ing' for A Taste of Glynn

For the second year, the ceramic works of a dozen local artists will be offered for sale at the silent auction at A Taste of Glynn, thanks to the generosity of Lois Henry and Meghan Davis at color me happy in downtown Brunswick.

color me happy has donated ceramic serving bowls, which have in turn been decorated by local artists Ed Hose, Natalie Bishop, Ellen Moriarty, Kate Sparks, Georgia Kellogg, Pilliard Dickle, Michelle Brown, John Sabbe, Allyson Tucker, Linda Wunder, Henry and Davis. Each reflects the personality and/or artistic style of its maker.

"This is the second year that color me happy and A Taste of Glynn have partnered to have some unique and beautifully painted plates and platters for our Silent Auction," says Mary Lynne Cochran of the Taste of Glynn planning committee. "Meghan and Lois came to me in 2009 with an idea that they could get some local artists to paint plates for us to showcase their work as well as make money for Glynn Community Crisis Center. True to their word, they were able to recruit 10 wonderful local artists to participate for the 10th Anniversary Event. We felt this would be an important addition to the event, signature collectors plates by members of our local art community.

"In January of this year, Lois and Meghan once again put their heads together and came up with another list of our local artists and invited them to be part of this year's group to paint. We chose a shallow bowl for this year and our artists have once again done an amazing job with this task! We have a wonderful and talented group of individuals who willingly and lovingly gave of their time and talent to produce some more fantastic, one of a kind, collectors' items. Many, many thanks to each of you for giving of yourself to make our event a memorable one!"

"As a person without a whole lot of extra time or extra money, it is really nice to be able to contribute in some meaningful way to the charities I love," explains artist Ed Hose. "I consider it a total honor to be a part of this event, I know the amazing work this organization does. In addition to providing life changing services to so many women and families. The people who run Amity House provide hope that life can be brighter again."

"Deep Friars" by Ed Hose

True to craft, Ed's bowl features a lighthearted design that is sure to elicit smiles. It features an image of two friars standing in water. One holds a chicken while another floats nearby. Appropriately enough, it is entitled, "Deep Friars."

"I love the idea of painting a big bowl of happiness. I don't really know how to handle the serious issue of domestic abuse. But I do know how to cause a distraction," Hose adds. "When I am getting blood drawn I always like the nurse to tell me a story. I need a distraction, I am so grateful for it. There is nothing worse then being stuck looking at your own suffering. So that is what I would hope to do with my artwork on this bowl, serve up a helping of a different perspective."

"I am honored to be even asked to participate in the "Painting of the Bowls," says painter Ellen Moriarty. "It is tons of fun but you cannot totally 'Be Free' doing this. You must listen to Lois...or it is disaster!!"

"Harlequin" by Ellen Moriarty

Entitled, "Harlequin," her bowl features a colorful image of a harlequin, surrounded by a checkered border. It recalls other, similar images in her "Women of the World" collection and is a fitting tribute to the strength of women everywhere.

"The people who should get most of the praise are the volunteer organizers as this is a HUGE event and seems to run like clockwork," Moriarty continues. "I am happy to donate some time, some talent, to this worthy cause; you know, it is good for me too."

Here are the remaining bowls. We hope you enjoy them as much as the artists enjoyed creating them!

by Allyson Tucker

"Two Lips" by Georgia Kellogg

by John Sabbe

"Cheers!" by Lois Henry

by Kate Sparks

"Happy Bamboo" by Linda Wunder

"Fish Bowl" by Natalie Bishop

"Why am I in a bowl?" by Michelle Brown

"Owl-le-lujah" by Meghan Davis

by Pilliard Dickle

Jerk Shack - Brunswick

Some foods seem scarier than they really are. Take oxtail, for instance. In the hands of a master caribbean chef like George Morris at Jerk Shack in Brunswick, oxtail becomes a whole new culinary experience. And he's about to share that experience with you at A Taste of Glynn!

Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar - St. Simons Island

Jeff Montaigne is the proud owner of Coastal Kitchen and Raw Bar at Morningstar Golden Isles Marina. He's a longtime participant of A Taste of Glynn, and has some great stories.

Right on Q Barbeque - Brunswick

The folks at Right on Q Barbeque in Brunswick know their 'que, and they've got the awards to prove it. Lisa Bechem shared some of the secrets behind their success.

Zachry's Seafood and Steaks - Brunswick

DJ Zachry and his family know seafood, having had their own commercial seafood business and a successful seafood restaurant on Jekyll Island for many years. Zachry's Seafood and Steaks have a new home in Brunswick and they are first-time participants in this year's A Taste of Glynn!

The Purple Pickle - Darien

The late comedian George Carlin was famous for his observational humor. Among some of my personal favorites were his observations that no ever takes the first slice of bread, and that there is no truly blue food. I'll bet he never ate a purple pickle. You can get those and a lot more at The Purple Pickle in Darien, a first-time participant in this year's A Taste of Glynn!

Tasteful Temptations

Chef Brian Justice and his team at Tasteful Temptations are pros at creating memorable meals for scores of weddings and other functions throughout the Golden Isles. Thus it's no surprise they won the 2010 People's Choice Award at A Taste of Glynn.

Blackwater Grill - St. Simons Island

John Howton's Blackwater Grill on St. Simons Island has participated in nearly every Taste of Glynn since it began 11 years ago. John says it's a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new friends and show off his restaurant's signature Cajun cuisine.

Purple Sage Catering

Purple Sage Catering in Brunswick is a veteran participant in A Taste of Glynn, and has won several awards including best tablescape in 2010 and first place in the health-conscious foods category. Chefs David Ouimet and Drew Atz discuss some ideas for creating your own healthy foods at home.

Linda's Cupcakes and More

If you think a cupcake is just a cupcake, you haven't met Linda Kerns of Linda's Cupcakes and More. This first-time participant in A Taste of Glynn has the line on some tasty treats that will keep you coming back for more!

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort - St. Simons Island

Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort on St. Simons Island is a veteran participant of A Taste of Glynn. This year, pastry chef Troy Long has some scrumptious treats planned for the event!

Fireside Tex Mex Bar and Grill - St. Simons Island

Taste of Glynn chefs bring passion and pride to their craft

Most people aren't too excited about being interviewed on television. They're afraid they're going to say something stupid, or freeze up and have nothing to say at all. Over years of reporting and interviewing people, however, I have found that those who are passionate about their work or their cause have no trouble talking about it, and their love shines through.

Such is the case for the restaurateurs and caterers I had the pleasure of interviewing for this year's A Taste of Glynn.

The food service industry is not easy, as anyone who works or has worked in it will tell you. Yet those who love preparing and sharing food bring a passion and pride to their craft that you'll find in few others. Sure, there are the "Hell's Kitchen" moments when the pressure is on and the temperature is high, but at the end of the day these culinary stars are all about having fun, promoting their teams and providing the absolute best for their friends and patrons.

During the next few weeks we'll be sharing these interviews, here and on the A Taste of Glynn Facebook page. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed meeting and talking with these very special and generous folks.

Today, we introduce Ocean Lodge on St. Simons Island, a first-time participant in A Taste of Glynn. General Manager Chris Hardy tells us a bit about the restaurant, and his plans for the event.

Make plans now to attend the 11th Annual Taste of Glynn

Chefs from throughout Brunswick and the Golden Isles are polishing up their utensils and getting ready for A Taste of Glynn, Sunday March 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. The annual fundraiser benefits the Glynn Community Crisis Center (Amity House / Hope House), and provides a wonderful opportunity for area restaurants and caterers to show off their skills and signature dishes.

Now in its eleventh year, the event takes place at the beautiful King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, right next to the ocean – 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.

Restaurants and caterers from throughout the area compete for awards in judged and People's Choice competitions. Awards are presented in a variety of categories including appetizers, soup, sandwiches, barbeque, seafood, gourmet, health conscious, international and dessert. An award also is given for the best overall presentation.

Coastal Kitchen of St. Simons Island has participated and been a winner in A Taste of Glynn for the past three years. "The atmosphere and the patrons are fantastic," says owner Jeff Montaigne. "One of the coolest parts is how well everything comes together. It just gets better and better every year."

Christie Ridinger of CARGO Portside Grill in Brunswick agrees. "It's the people who make being in the restaurant business fun," she says. "The work is hard, the hours are long and you give up a large part of your life. A Taste of Glynn is a great opportunity to see and talk with people in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, especially for the chefs."

"There are a lot of good restaurants in the area and there are always people who go all out with their food and their displays," says Tom Jones of Millhouse Steakhouse, a perennial participant and winner. "For us, the return has been incredible and we work hard to raise the bar each year."

Silent Auction

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. There will be the traditional Silent Auction, replete with an array of great prizes including vacations, airline tickets, a bike and much more. And, the annual wine raffle.

The fun and festivity of A Taste of Glynn are inarguable. What could be better than spending a spring evening in a beautiful locale, enjoying the best offerings of our local restaurants and caterers, and catching up with friends after a long winter?

But there's more to it than that. Much more.

"A Taste of Glynn is our primary fundraiser for the entire year," explains Elizabeth Sorrells, president of the board of Glynn Community Crisis Center. "It is critical to the services we offer by providing a substantial portion of our annual income. I like to think of it as a 'southern garden party by the ocean' to benefit a great cause."

"I don't think there is anyone on the planet who doesn't know someone who has been touched in some way by domestic violence," says event co-chair Gerri Landrum. "There are people who, through their own strength and determination, can get themselves out of a bad situation. Unfortunately, there are others who, for a variety of reasons, aren't able to do that without help. They need and deserve our support."

For the past 28 years, that support has been provided by Glynn Community Crisis Center, through its resident programs at Amity House and Hope House, a 24-hour hotline and long list of community outreach programs and nonresident services.

Domestic violence knows no bounds, be it race, socio-economic status or gender. Often its victims are silent, hidden from every day view. Everyone who attends A Taste of Glynn supports Glynn Community Crisis Center, and gives those women, children and men the resources they need to begin a new life, without fear.

A Taste of Glynn is presented by Moore Stephens Tiller, MST Wealth Management and Stambaugh Aviation, and is sponsored by many local businesses and individuals. Tickets are $50 per person in advance, or $60 the day of the event. They can be purchased by calling Amity House at (912) 264-1348 or picking them up at Moore Stephens Tiller and MST Wealth Management, 1612 Newcastle St. in Brunswick; color me happy, Hattie's Books and Lai Lai's in Brunswick, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, or SunTrust Bank on Sea Island Road, St. Simons Island.

SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR A TASTE OF GLYNN

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

Photo credit: Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography