Winning Ways

(L-R) Toby Smith, Sous Chef; Steve Mann, Personal assistant and Tasteful Temptations owner  and head chef, Brian Justice

             What defines a winner? Education, preparation, high standards, creativity, attention to detail, superior follow-through. These attributes wear well in any endeavor, particularly in A Taste of Glynn. Brian Justice should know- he and his Tasteful Temptations team have won nine awards in their three previous years of participation, including a couple of the coveted People’s Choice Awards.

            Brian comes to the competition with plenty of experience. During his years at the Cloister, world-renowned The Breakers in Palm Beach and The Addison of Boca Raton, Brian not only worked as a lead chef in several resort property restaurants but also served as the banquet chef, responsible for creating elegant parties for up to 2,000 people. Menus ranged from simple fresh items to elaborate multi-ethnic cuisine in a mind-boggling variety of settings and themes. He trained and supervised a staff of a few dozen people, designed menus, developed procedures, redesigned the kitchen, and somehow kept up with ordering the food and equipment for both the on-site and off-site banquet operations.

            All while feeding thousands of people at a time? If the very thought inspires you to hide under the kitchen table, think about this: Brian manages to do that here in the Golden Isles; but this time, he’s the owner. You can find him running his full-service catering operation locally, and you might catch him at his restaurant, The Zeppelin Café, at the Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport. His wife Laura helps with specialty things like creating fantastic cakes and desserts in addition to being the full-time mama to their two-year-old.

            If you imagine that all that hard work and success makes him feel entitled to indulge in the flamethrower antics you see from some TV chefs, you’ll be disappointed. Brian Justice is a genuinely nice guy who happens to be extremely good at what he does. So when you visit his company’s table at this year’s A Taste of Glynn, the only thing sizzling will be the incredible food.

            “We love to bring flavorful, colorful and fresh dishes to all of our functions,” Brian noted. “We appreciate the opportunity at A Taste of Glynn to speak directly with the guests as they are sampling our foods, and answer any questions they might have regarding ingredients, preparation or presentation of the dishes.” 

            Winners are innovators, and Brian Justice is no exception. “I have noticed a current trend in people putting a new twist on the culinary items of their heritage,” he pointed out.  “Whether it’s Southern Food, Indian Food, Caribbean Food, or whatever the case may be.  It has become a trend to take those comfort foods of the person's past and put a new spin on it.”

            Tasteful Temptations also won top honors in last year’s Tablescape category for caterers. What tips does he have for the host and hostess at home to make the party a visual feast as well as a culinary triumph?

            “Pick what you like!  Whether it is simple and clean or bright bursts of color, pick what you like and incorporate it into your tablescape,” he advised. “We have a tendency to go big and simple. For example, have a large (5 or 6 foot tall) display of white hydrangeas.  Let the flowers’ beauty do all of the talking!”

             When it’s time for Brian to create the menu for his own family, he says, “I love to grill out. Steaks, chicken, potatoes, corn, tomatoes and asparagus. All with fresh herbs from the garden. Simple and delicious.”

            Who is Brian’s favorite celebrity chef? Surprise- it’s the TV guy with a personality that is his polar opposite!

            “I have a special admiration for Gordon Ramsey.  He is direct and to the point, but his knowledge and love of food is expansive. Even with all of his celebrity, he still is open to learn new ideas from others. I admire that.”

            This year, Gordon Ramsey won’t be at A Taste of Glynn, terrorizing the contestants. But a very gracious, experienced celebrity will be in attendance to bestow the first Celebrity Chef’s Choice Award in the event’s history. Holly Chute, Executive Chef of the Georgia Governors Mansion will sample food prepared by the Tasteful Temptations team as well as 25 other participating restaurants and caterers. Guests at the event select the People’s Choice Awards and a panel of judges selects the winners in nine additional categories.

            A Taste of Glynn is on March 25, from 5 to 8 pm. at the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Tickets are available at the King and Prince, and SunTrust Bank locations on Demere Road and Sea Island Road, Palmer’s Village Café and Doug’s Bar & Grill on St. Simons. In Brunswick, purchase tickets at LaiLai’s, Hattie’s Books, color me happy, Zachry’s Seafood and Steak, Baby Mack’s and Moore Stephens Tiller LLC. Or call the Glynn Community Crisis Center at 264-1348.

Photo by Lindy Thompson, Golden Isles Photography