Chef Johannes Klapdohr of the Old Edwards Inn and Spa collaborated with The Chef’s Garden for a three day culinary event to benefit the non-profit organization of Veggie U. The 7th Annual Food and Wine Celebration is one of the premier culinary events in the United States.
 

Over 100 nationally renowned chefs and sous chefs came together to delve into the concept of sustainable agriculture and preparing farm-fresh culinary delights on action stations to the 1200 guests attending. Wines from top vineyards, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and an exclusive live auction accompanied the festivities that have become a major attraction for foodie’s and chefs alike.

The event was held on the grounds of The Culinary Vegetable Institute, featuring the “Food Arts Magazine” R&D Kitchen of the Year. Chef Klapdohr served as liaison between the farmers, guests and chefs. He worked with the farmers to harvest product grown specifically for each chefs demonstrations and created meals to allow the chefs to see different ways of preparing new varieties of heirloom vegetables. Each menu was different and used the product in a farm to table method.

Participants enjoyed a Star Chef Cook-Off between Chef Paula DeSilva, Lee Ann Wong, and Chef James Briscione, a grand tasting of the chefs’ creations, a silent auction and tours of the Experimental Gardens surrounding the Culinary Vegetable Institute. The guest of honor was Chef Alex Guaranschelli, executive chef at Butter Restaurant, NYC, who has appeared on Iron Chef America as both a challenger and a judge. She is currently a judge on The Food Network’s Chopped program.

By working with culinary students and volunteers Klapdohr organized all culinary events and functions throughout the celebration. The culinary students were uniquely paired with chefs to help them create their dishes with the fresh product from The Chef’s Garden. Students met the chefs and built connections to further their careers in the culinary industry.

Before joining the Old Edwards team Chef Johannes served as the Executive Chef and Director of Product Development of The Culinary Vegetable Institute. There he promoted the importance of bringing Farmers, Chefs and Guests together focusing on the education of sustainability through farm-to-table experiences.

Veggie U is the non-profit organization of The Chef’s Garden in Huron, Ohio. The organization is dedicated to the creation and distribution of curricula to classrooms across the nation with the focus on making wise food choices to combat adolescent and juvenile diseases. The curriculum teaches good nutrition to fourth grade students by introducing the concept of sustainable agriculture. It provides the knowledge of where our food comes from and explains the importance of a healthy lifestyle, our place in the food chain and the responsibility we have to preserve a sustainable environment for the future.

The Chef’s Garden is the leading grower of artisanal products in the United States for the world’s top chefs. They currently grow more than 600 varieties of vegetables, micro greens and herbs in seven different stages of growth. On the Jones Family farm located about three miles from the Lake Erie shoreline The Chef’s Garden serves like-minded chefs in the best way possible by working closely with their customers to provide products that are the freshest and safest available. The farming methods allow the products to grow naturally to achieve optimum flavor and nutrient levels.

About Old Edwards Hospitality Group: (www.oldedwardsinn.com) The Old Edwards Hospitality Group encompasses The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC, as well as The Old Edwards Club—a private club that features a professionally designed golf course, outdoor heated mineral pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse and pro shop. Old Edwards Inn and Spa is Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Inn in the USA and Canada for 2008. The Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC. Also included in the Old Edwards Experience are a Mobil Four-Star wellness spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm at Old Edwards special events and wedding facility, Acorn’s and Acorn’s Annex upscale retail shops, and The Rib Shack & Sports Corner. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award in 2008 and 2009.