Hilton Head Island's Taste of the Season

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Participating Chefs

Taste of the Season will spotlight more than 30 of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. This year’s defending champion for Best Cuisine is Red Fish, which took the honors MORE...

Silent Auction

While food is the focus, attendees will also be able to browse great gifts offered in the silent auction which include getaways, works of art and golf packages. VIEW AUCTION ITEMS...

Tickets SOLD OUT

Tickets are now SOLD OUT.

2009 Participating Chefs

		Eric Seaglund, Aqua Grille & Lounge Chef Eric Seaglund graduated from School Craft College in 1993. He was Chef de Cuisine at Charley’s Crab in Troy, Michigan before becoming executive chef when Charley’s Crab opened on Hilton Head Island in 1999. He joined Aqua Grille and Lounge for the opening in 2006, then spent a year at JB’s on the Beach in Deerfield Beach, Florida before returning to Aqua.

		Chef Robert Irvine, Robert Irvine's eat! As host of Food Network's Dinner: Impossible, Chef Robert Irvine serves stunningly creative dishes for both intimate gatherings and huge crowds, all without warning and at a moment's notice. A native of England, Irvine began his culinary training with the British Royal Navy at the age of 15. During his more than 25 years in the culinary profession, Irvine has cooked his way through Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas. Irvine's first book, "Mission: Cook!" (Harper Collins, 2007) was published in September, 2007.

		Executive Chef Michael Cirafesi, Michael Anthony’s Of Italian descent, Executive Chef Michael Cirafesi credits his late grandmother with instilling his passion for Italian food, wine and culture. A graduate of the Philadelphia Culinary School, Cirafesi became Executive Sous Chef at the Monte Carlo Living Room in Philadelphia. In 2002, Michael relocated to Hilton Head Island to open Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana. Cirafesi is a member of the Chaine des Rotissuers, the American Culinary Federation and American Institute of Wine and Food.

		Signe Gardo, Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery & Café Since 1972, Signe Gardo has been creating and perfecting new recipes, serving lunch & breakfast, designing wedding cakes, and preparing gift baskets & gift boxes for both Hilton Head islanders and visitors. She has been featured on the Food Network’s “Rachel Ray’s $40 a Day” and voted “Reader’s Choice Best Bakery” by The Island Packet several times.

		Executive Chef Heath Prosser, Port Royal Golf Club A native of New Zealand, Prosser attended the Box Hill Culinary & Arts College in Victoria, Australia, receiving his Certification of Cookery in 1994. Prosser created culinary masterpieces throughout Australia’s many award winning restaurants and captured numerous accolades. He began his career on Hilton Head Island at the Old Fort Pub and continues to craft his art with new dishes.

		Chef Akin Agbras, Conroy’s Akin Agbras was born and raised in Kocaeli, Turkey. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality management from Eastern Mediterranean University. Agbras moved to Savannah and started his career as a chef in 2000 with the Savannah Marriott Riverfront hotel. He transferred to the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa as a sous chef in 2006. Agbras’ specialty American dish is crab cakes.

		Chef Sean Walsh, Red Fish Red Fish's Chef Sean Walsh is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has been delighting guests at Red Fish since 2003. Walsh became a chef for the freedom of artistic expression and has followed his passion in kitchens from New York to the Caribbean, to the Lowcountry. Through diverse experiences, Walsh has built a unique and intriguing style with combinations of many culinary techniques.

		Chef Franz Auer, Old Oyster Factory Old Oyster Factory's Chef Franz Auer has been listed as one of Hilton Head Monthly magazine's "Most Intriguing People of the Lowcountry," and was voted by its reader's as "Favorite Chef." A native of Austria, Auer apprenticed in Vienna, and developed his skills in Paris, London and Montreal before moving to the area. Walsh joined the Old Oyster Factory for its opening in 1989 as executive chef. He is also the co-owner of Alexander's, Red Fish and the Old Oyster Factory.

		Chef Chaun Bescos, Alexander’s Restaurant Alexander’s Chef Chaun Bescos had a passion for cooking with fresh local ingredients that began while he was growing up on an organic farm in Hawaii. He graduated from Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Currently chef at Alexander’s, he has worked in all three of the company’s restaurants; Alexander’s, Red Fish and Old Oyster Factory.

		Chef Terry Ziff, Alexander’s Restaurant Chef Terry Ziff is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He has worked in a variety of country clubs and restaurants from New York to the Breaker's Hotel in Palm Beach, FL. Currently chef at Alexander's, Ziff has worked in all three of the company's restaurants, Red Fish, Old Oyster Factory and Alexander's, for almost ten years. He enjoys preparing dishes with all the abundance of local seafood the Lowcountry has to offer.

		Executive Chef Russell Keane, WiseGuys Restaurant Keane began his training at Bodean Seafood in Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked his way up through several kitchens across the Midwest and then to Charleston where he worked under Chef Donald Barickman at Magnolia's while completing his culinary degree at Charleston’s Johnson & Wales University. He also served with the U.S. Navy. Keane is now an integral part of the SERG (South East Restaurant Group) family on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

		Sheri Davis, Sheri's Edible Designs Sheri Davis’ passion for cake decorating started several years ago with classes offered at a local craft store. Her skills evolved as she studied under some of the world’s best sugar artists, including Colette Peters, Nicholas Lodge, and Bronwen Weber. Davis has also studied at The Notter School of Pastry Arts in Orlando, FL and The International Sugar Art Collection in Norcross, GA. She established Sheri's Edible Designs in 2007 at the age of 22.

		Executive Chef Mark Gaylord, The Jazz Corner Executive Chef Mark Gaylord began his culinary journey at the young age of eleven as a dishwasher at the American Legion in his hometown of Marengo, Illinois where he also started his culinary training under the direction of Chef Mark Anthony. He earned his degree at Johnson & Wales College, now Johnson & Wales University. Gaylord has built his culinary foundation with Marriott Hotels on Hilton Head Island SC and Chicago IL, Dining Group South both in Charleston SC and Savannah GA, and The Lowrey Group restaurants before settling at The Jazz Corner.

		Chef Brad Blake, Marley’s Island Grille After graduating from Oakland Culinary Academy in 1991, Blake settled on Hilton Head Island where he first took the position of Chef de Cuisine at Melrose Inn on Daufuskie Island. Blake spent three years as executive chef for Wexford Plantation and nine years as head chef at the Sunset Grille. Blake opened two restaurants in Bluffton, Blake’s and The Blue Coyote. He became executive chef at Marley's in early 2009.

		Chef Max Johnson, Sea Pines Country Club Chef Max Johnson was raised on a farm in rural North Carolina and was inspired to cook by his grandmother. Johnson has a degree in chemistry from Appalachian State University with a minor in biology. He was invited to run a restaurant as he completed his education. Johnson has worked as executive chef at West Beach, on Kiawah Island and Charleston Place Hotel before coming to Sea Pines Country Club.

		Shea Lee, The Golf Club at Indigo Run Shea Lee began his curiosity with food in his Grandmother’s kitchen at the early age of five. Lee studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at El Centro, while working at four and five star restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Lee has worked for Club Corp for 8 years, including the Country Club of Hearthstone, Gleneagles Country Club, and at the Crescent Club in Memphis, Tennessee.

		Chef Aram Haroutunian, Sandstone Catering International, award winning Chef Aram Haroutunian began his culinary journey 29 years of ago in Vermont. Throughout his career, Chef Aram has trained many young chefs and enjoyed a diverse entrepreneurial approach to the culinary arts. Chef Aram prides himself on his "old School" attitude to culinary education by training with the the best chefs in America. As an elite yacht chef, his highly creative and eclectic culinary style has taken him thought the Europe, the Mediterranean and Caribbean, cooking for influential clients such Pierce Brosnan, Celine Dion and Arthur Blank.

		Chef Don Reinheardt, Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Chef Don Reinheardt has been with Westin Hotels and Resorts for 15 years. Originally from New Mexico, Chef Reinheardt started as an apprentice under Westin Corporate Chef Waldo Brun at the Walt Disney Swan in Orlando, Florida. Chef Reinheardt has been with The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa as executive sous chef for 11 years and has worked at various Starwood property openings all over North America and the Caribbean.

		Executive Chef Kevin Anderson, Groupers & Company Restaurant, Holiday Inn Oceanfront A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Executive Chef Kevin Anderson graduated from Charleston’s Johnson & Wales University in 1995. He has worked in various regional country clubs and hotels, including the Mills House in Charleston. Anderson joined Groupers & Company in 2007. He has a passion for Lowcountry cuisine.

		Chef Brandon Stewart, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q After graduating from the Culinary Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Culinary Arts in 2000, Chef Brandon Stewart spent over eight years as an executive sous chef; rubbing shoulders with Atlanta’s top chefs; including Chef Kevin Rathbun at Nava and Chef Doug Turbush at Bluepointe. With more than seventeen years of experience, Stewart has bridged his culinary talent to incorporate couture cuisine with the fire brick pits of southern barbeque.

		Qing Feng Qiu, Fancy Q Sushi Qing Feng Qui came to the United States from South China 13 years ago. He is self-educated in his craft and has learned in restaurants all over the country. He opened Fancy Q Sushi on Hilton Head Island this fall.

		Andrea Studenc, The Little Student Cooking Café & Sweet Treats Andrea Studenc grew up in Latrobe, PA and moved to Hilton Head Island in 1983. She finished her degree in Environmental Science but had a passion for art, cooking and baking since childhood. Studenc previously owned a catering business and a Hawaiian shaved ice business with her husband, Scott. They opened The Little Student Cooking Café & Sweet Treats at the beginning of 2009 where they offer cooking classes, birthday parties for children as well as custom designed cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other treats.

		Lou Anne Takach, Cookies by Design Lou Anne Takach worked in the hospitality industry for several years after moving to the area. Now she’s running her own business, Cookies by Design, doing everything from baking to decorating to sales and marketing. Already with several years of cake decorating experience and Wilton cake training, Takach found a niche for her the business in Bluffton. Her Cookies by Design won a First Year Excellence Award from the franchise.

		Mark Lietzke, Country Club of Hilton Head Mark Lietzke started with a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, but while supporting himself through school, found out that the food business was definitely where he wanted to be. Lietzke has worked in restaurants and resorts from Colorado to Texas to South Carolina. In the Lowcountry, he was executive chef of the Daufuskie Island Resort, opened Vino & Vittos and worked at the Callawassie Island Club. He has been with the Country Club of Hilton Head for three years.

		Chef Kal Rabadi, HH Prime As one of eight children in a big Italian family in Manhattan and the Bronx, Rabadi cut his culinary teeth in his mother’s kitchen. This instilled a passion for caring hospitality and lovingly prepared food that is evident today in the Hilton Oceanfront Resort’s HH Prime. Rabadi’s degree in Culinary Arts is from the New York Institute of Technology. He gained experience in fine New York and Long Island establishments such as the Palm Court, Garden City Hotel and Carlton on the Park.

20th Annual Taste of the Season

Presenting Sponsor:

Taste of the Season is the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s premiere culinary festival. It is an upscale food event held at the private Sea Pines Country Club attracting a crowd of about 1,000 residents and visitors.

Taste of the Season will spotlight more than 30 of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. While food is the focus, attendees will also be able to browse great gifts offered in the silent auction which include getaways, works of art and golf packages.

This year’s defending champion for Best Cuisine is Red Fish, which took the honors with the offerings of grilled sea bass with udon noodles and a prime rib roast. The Hilton Oceanfront Resort’s new HH Prime took the honors of the Celebrity Chef’s Pick with their beef tenderloin, bread pudding and crab cakes.

Best Holiday Cake

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the chamber is searching for the area’s top confectionary talent. Attendees will also be voting on “Best Holiday Cake.”

Silent Auction

Items for the silent auction are updated daily, so make sure you check back!

View the Online Auction items and start bidding today!

Great Getaways

Two Nights on Amelia Island, FL
Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Three Nights in a 2-Bedroom Condo
ResortQuest Hilton Head Island

Two Nights on Amelia Island, FL
Residence Inn-Amelia Island’s Treasure

Three Nights in a Villa on Hilton Head Island
Beach Properties of Hilton Head

Windy City Weekend Stay for One Night
Double Tree Hotel O’Hare-Rosemont

Sheraton Atlanta Weekend
2-night weekend with breakfast in a suite

Choice of Savannah, Atlanta or Nashville Hotel Weekend
2-nights in hotel of your choice
Savannah CVB and North Point Hospitality Group

You Choose the City Getaway
One night in any Marcus Hotel or Resort

Concord Golf Resort & Spa Getaway, NC
Two nights lodging at Embassy Suites

The Kind & Prince, St. Simons Island, GA
Two-night stay

Westin Bellevue, WA, just outside Seattle
Two nights on a weekend

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hilton Head-Bluffton
Two-night stay

Springhill Suites by Marriott, Charleston
One-night stay

Royale Parc Suites, Kissemmee
Two-night stay near Walt Disney World

Wild Dunes Resort
Two-night stay in Boardwalk Inn

Royal Plaza in Walt Disney World Resort
3 days/2 nights in premier Jacuzzi room

Main Street Inn & Spa, Hilton Head Island
Weekend for two with breakfast and bike rental

Terranea Resort Getaway, Los Angeles, CA
Two nights in an oceanfront room

Space Coast Getaway for Two
Two nights at Hilton Cocoa Beach, Zoo and Space Center Passes

Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Getaway
Two-night stay with breakfast

Four Points by Sheraton in Savannah
Two-nights lodging with breakfast for two

Sheraton Atlanta Getaway
Two nights in a suite with breakfast

Marriott Courtyard Atlanta Buckhead Getaway
Two-night weekend with breakfast buffet

Hilton Atlanta Northeast Getaway
Two-night weekend

Crowne Plaza Resort Getaway
Two nights and seafood buffet for two

Kiawah Island Getaway with ResortQuest
Two nights on Kiawah Island

Inn at Harbour Town Getaway
Two nights

Millennium Hotel Buffalo, NY Getaway
One-night stay

Millennium Hotel Alaska
Two nights for two in a deluxe room

Westin Resort St. John
Three-night stay at the Caribbean resort

Holiday Inn Oceanfront
Two nights with breakfast for two

Buena Vista Palace, Walt Disney World Resort
Two nights

Renaissance Denver Hotel
Two-night weekend with breakfast for two

Renaissance Orlando Hotel Sea World
Two nights in a deluxe room

WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa, Florida
Two nights at a luxurious, beachfront resort

Staybridge Suites, River Street Savannah
One night on historic River Street

Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Head
One-night stay with breakfast for two

Two Nights in the Big Apple
Flatotel, New York City

Great Gifts

Four-Course Gourmet Dinner for Eight
Colleton River Plantation

Ipod Shuffle, 2GB
Walmart

Dolphin Cruise for Six
Island Time Charters

Cooking Demonstration Admission for Two
Michael Anthony’s

14K Gold Hoop Earrings
Viv & Ingrid, Design Team

Indigo Shore Bucket Bag & Cosmetic Case
Melrose Box Bag
Tabby Walk Pocket Tote & Wallet
Spartina 449

Wild Poppies Fused Glass Platter
Peggy Karr Glass

Shell Sectional Server
Mariposa

Vintage Inspired Eyeglass Chains
John Wind/Maximal Art

Beeswax Natural Tapers
Creative Candles

South Carolina Plate
Donna & Paul Watson

Truffles Sheep
Jellycat

Jack Black Travel Pack
Jack Black

Devine Scarlett Tablecloth, Napkins & Guest Towels
Hen House Linens

South Carolina Wave Plate
Donna & Paul Watson

Outdoor Insect Misting System
Mosquito Nix

Brunch Gift Card
Crane’s Tavern

Dining Certificate
Outback Steakhouse

Deluxe Gas Grill
South Carolina Electric & Gas

Pau Hana Sailing for Two
Advanced Sail

Clydesdale Carriage Ride for Six
Lawton Stables

In Home Design Consultation
The Development Limited

Four Hours Non-Medical Home Care
Home Instead Senior Care

Sunday Brunch for Four
Christine’s Go-Go Gourmet Café

Golf For Two on Ocean Course
The Sea Pines Resort

Golf for Two on Heron Point by Pete Dye
The Sea Pines Resort

Feng Shui Consultation
Carol Hamilton

Three-Month Membership
Palmetto Therapy & Athletic Club

Gekkeikan Sake
Breland’s Warehouse Liquors

Wine Basket of Premium Red & White
Grassroots Wine Wholesalers

Hunter “Fellini” Ceiling Fan with Installation
Paradise Handyman Services

Samsung Desk Top Laser Printer
Vaughn Business Systems

Dining Certificate
Street Meet American Take-out & Tavern

One-Month Membership for One Child and Adult
Island Playground

Six Tickets for a Casino Cruise
Emerald Princess II

Kayaking for Two
Outside Hilton Head

Certificate for Framing and Art Note Cards
Picture This Gallery

Shoe bags for Travel: Baggys by Babby
Ad-Vise, Inc.

Mix & Store Pitcher by Tupperware
Ad-Vise, Inc.

Dining Certificate
Carrabba's Italian Grill

One-Month Pool Cleaning Service
One-Month Landscaping
Property Preservation, Inc.

Mall Gift Certificate
Mall at Shelter Cove

Embroidered Island Tote
Stitch Designs

Savannah Doll House with Furnishings
James Wedgeworth, Real Estate Agent

Hilton Head Island Calendar and Ornament Collection
South Art, Inc.

Sonoma-Cutrer 2006 Chardonnay
Bill’s Liquor’s Fine Wines, Bluffton

Sweetgrass Bread Basket with Love Knots
Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets Especially For You

Cross-handle Sweetgrass Basket with Love Knots
Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets Especially For You

Gift Certificate
Giuseppi’s Pizza

Pewter “Rocket Fuel” Coffee Scoop
ArtWare

Beatrice Ball Double Bowl
Markel’s Cards & Gifts

90 Minutes Golf Instruction
Gray Golf

Six Pedicure of the Month Package
FACES DaySpa & Boutique

Pair of Three-Concert Series Tickets
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

Haircut & Style
Diane Ursillo

Backyard BBQ for Six
Jim & Nick’s BBQ

Gullah Breakfast Basket
Picked For You Gift Baskets

Callaway Warbird Golf Stand Bag filled with Accessories
The Golf Channel

Kayak Tour for Four
Parasailing for Two
H2O Sports

Two Hours Chair Massages at the Office
One-hour At Home Massage
Pause Spa Services at Home

Tax Preparation 2009
Liberty Tax Services

Kayaking for Four
Marshgrass Adventures

Private Pilates Session
Pilates by Silja

Sushi Set for Two
Off 5th Saks 5th Avenue

Crown Royal Cask 16
Ben Arnold SunBelt Beverage Company

Dining Gift Certificate
Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks

Two Round-trip Airline Tickets
Two tickets anywhere Air Tran flies

Restaurant Trio: $50 Gift Certificates
Red Fish, Old Oyster Factory, Alexander’s

Golf for Four
Hilton Head National

Nickel and Porcelain Alligator Tray
Traditions of Hilton Head

Thai Cotton Quilt Throw
Companions, Nurses & Nannies

Two Tickets to “My Fair Lady”
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Certificate for Car Repairs
H&H Auto

Keratin Complex Hair Smoothing Therapy
Dan Robinson, Hair Stylist

Hyperlinks to HiltonHead.com and Bluffton.com
Island Communications

$100 Dining Certificate
WiseGuys

Dolphin Cruise for Four
Low Country Nature Tours

Gift Certificate for Party Rentals
Classic Party Rentals

Alarm System
Palmetto Security Systems

One Year’s Valet Parking
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Avant Guarde Patrons Package
2010 Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival

Electric Grill
Palmetto Electric

18th Hole Harbour Town Canvas Card
Linda Hartough Gallery

Dinner For Two
Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Gift Basket with Certificate for Carpet Cleaning
Rainbow International by High Tide

Giant Plush Puppy
Sam’s Club

Butterfly Adirondack Chair
Just Precious

Mixed Case of Award Winning Wines
Republic National Distributing Co.

Brunch for Two
Country Club of Hilton Head

Golf for Four
Country Club of Hilton Head

Designer Marble Pastry Board
StoneWorks

"The Beach" Oil Painting
By Terry Brennan

Week at Summer Camp 2010
Island Recreation Association

Set of 12 Dinner Chargers
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

Biltmore for Your Home martini glasses, serving dishes, knives
Belk Department Store

Holiday Cookie Basket
Cookies by Design

Pet Grooming
Paw-metto Pooches

Gift Certificate to Camellia Art Gallery

Holiday Meal
Piggly Wiggly at Shelter Cove

Two-hours On-site PC Service
Riedel Computer Services

Thomas McKnight Print
Fastframe

Golf for Four
Heritage Golf Group

Golf for Four
Golden Bear Golf Club

Estate Planning Services
McNair Law Firm

Spa Treatment and Backwater Bill’s Gift Certificate
Hampton Lake

Portrait Sitting
Willie J. Rice, Photographer

Charlotte Bobcats Autographed Basketball

One-month Gym Membership
Beach City Health & Fitness

Charleston Golf Package for Two
Patriots Point Links and Golf at Stono Ferry

Hand-spun Pottery Bowl
Jacob Preston Gallery

Golf for Four
Long Cove Club

Festival Admission Package:
Hilton Head Island Wine & Food/Seafood Jazz and Brew
Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association

Half-page ad in Island Real Estate Magazine
Down South Publishers

Tickets SOLD OUT!

Participating Chefs

Silent Auction

Tickets SOLD OUT

Menu

2009 Participating Chefs

20th Annual Taste of the Season

Best Holiday Cake

Silent Auction

Great Getaways

Great Gifts