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Fish to Fork at Omni Amelia Island Resort is a unique foodie event in a fun and interactive atmosphere! Enjoy delectable food from some of the best chefs in the country while also enjoying activities at one of the best Amelia Island resorts.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omni Hotels & Resorts. The opinions and text are all mine.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation resort is one of our favorite resorts in North Florida. In addition to fantastic year-round culinary offerings, the resort hosts the Fish to Fork culinary event annually. Fish to Fork takes place on Mother’s Day weekend and features a true dock-to-dine experience.
Renowned chefs from around the country travel to Amelia Island to showcase their fishing and culinary skills. Guests of the event have the opportunity to actually go fishing with the chefs. Guests then watch the chefs use their catch to create an impressive dish during the main event on Saturday night. A winner is chosen after all guests vote for their favorite dish.
Things to know about Fish to Fork
- Date: Mother’s Day weekend
- Location: Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
- Atmosphere: Casual, fun and relaxing
- Participants: Six renowned chefs from around the country
- Guests: YOU!
- Tickets: A variety of ticket options are available. You can purchase tickets to only the main event on Saturday or VIP tickets to the full event including accommodation, meals and more.
- Activities: Fishing, biking, beach, pools, spa, paddleboarding, etc.
- Culinary experiences: Beautiful lunches, elegant dinners and fun culinary competitions where you can immerse yourself in the full experience.
Continue reading for my recap of Fish to Fork 2019!
Fish to Fork
Location
The Fish to Fork weekend takes place at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. Check out my guide to the property featuring everything to see, do and eat while visiting. Nestled along the tip of Amelia Island, the resort is the perfect location for the culinary weekend. The Omni Amelia island property is one of our favorite resorts in North Florida because of the unique culinary offerings, luxury accommodations and selection of resort activities for the entire family.
Fish to Fork Itinerary
The Fish to Fork event takes place over three days and features fresh produce and seafood from Amelia Island.
Day 1: Welcome Dinner at Fish to Fork
Purchase the Fish to Fork VIP package for the best value. The VIP package includes a welcome dinner on the first night of the event in addition to all of the event activities and accommodations at Omni Amelia Island Resort. The welcome dinner for the Fish to Fork 2019 event took place at the Sprouting Project, one of my favorite locations on property.
The dinner is relaxed and refined featuring dishes made with ingredients grown right on property. It’s a relaxing night with the freshest cuisine and live music. Guests also have the opportunity to dine with the chefs participating in the challenge. On this night, the chefs randomly select their charters for the next morning’s fishing excursion.
In addition to the incredible cuisine prepared by the Omni Amelia Island chefs, the event is a great opportunity to explore the Sprouting Project. The Sprouting Projects consists of an aquaponic greenhouse, an expansive organic garden, beehives, barrel room and free-ranging chickens. See, eat and feel the fresh ingredients grown on the property for a true farm-to-table experience.
The 2019 event included dishes like Shrimp Jambalaya, Palmetto Pork, Sourdough rolls, Campfire Pie and more! It’s a great start to an exceptional weekend.
Day 2: Meet the Chefs at Fish to Fork
Day 2 is a great time to meet the chefs participating in the Fish to Fork challenge. The day includes the main fishing excursion and a wine dinner.
Fishing excursions
After waking up bright and early, we were transported to Fernandina Harbor Marine where we met the captain of our fishing charter. From there, we made our way about eight miles offshore to fish. We joined Executive Chef Todd Ruiz to catch Kingfish and more!
The fishing excursion is a fun morning on the ocean. If you love true farm-to-table or dock-to-dine experiences, then you will love the opportunity to fish for the food you will eat later in the weekend. Plus, you have the opportunity to spend time with the chefs and learn more about sourcing the best ingredients.
Fish to Fork Wine Dinner
The wine dinner showcased the creativity and passion of the Omni Amelia Island culinary team. The dinner featured even more fresh seafood dishes with wines from female led wineries and winemakers. The wine dinner is a great way to relax after a day fishing.
Day 3: Fish to Fork Challenge
The final day of Fish to Fork weekend includes the main event! After a fabulous lunch at Walker’s Landing, chefs start to prepare the dishes that are served at the main competition that evening.
Walker’s Landing is one of my favorite locations in the Amelia Island Plantation. It’s located on the marsh side of the island so it’s a beautiful place to sit back and relax. Sometimes you can spot a crab boat buzzing by as the fisherman check their traps. It’s also the best place to rent a paddleboard, pedalboard or kayak.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit this unique location on property!
Chef’s Individual Challenge
The main event consists of two challenges – the individual and group challenge. The individual challenge requires chefs to turn their catch into a signature dish! The dishes are available for guests to sample and then vote on their favorite dish.
Six chefs fill their booths, make their signature dishes and chat with guests. Fish to Fork 2019 included six female chefs – Whitney Otawka of the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island, Georgia; Maneet Chauhan of Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville, Tennessee; Alexia Gawlak of Swine and Sons in Orlando, Florida; Kerri Rogers or Bellweather in Jacksonville, Florida; Kelly Franz of Magnolias in Charleston, SC; and Stacy Cogswell from Boston, Massachusetts.
Whitney Otawka was voted the winner of the individual challenge with her grouper dish made with grouper caught on the fishing excursion.
Chef’s Group Challenge
After the individual challenge, the chefs are randomly paired together for the “Chef Showdown”. This challenge is a live cooking showdown where chefs have only one hour to prepare a dish that serves over 400 guests!
A secret ingredients is revealed moments before the competition begins. In addition, the chefs have a variety of fresh ingredients and seafood to choose from. At this year’s event, the secret ingredient was fresh Florida citrus.
During the group challenge, guests have the opportunity to “be in the kitchen” with the chefs as they go onstage to watch them cook. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the full experience.
The final dishes are below. Team blue received the most votes and Chefs Maneet Chauhan, Kelly Franz and Stacy Cogswell were declared the winners of the group challenge. In addition, Chef Kerry Rogers received most votes for the “Chefs Favorite” as part of the individual competition.
Other things to do at Amelia island plantation
The Omni is one of my favorite resorts in north Florida because the are so many things to do on property. Rent a bike, paddleboard or kayak and explore the property. Or visit the nature center and see tortoises, fish and more.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Shops at Amelia Island Plantation and stop at Marche Burette for a sweet treat! We love to stop in for brunch and grab a few snacks to go. With endless activities and unique dining options, the entire family will never want to leave the resort!
Fish to Fork at Omni Amelia Island Plantation is a unique culinary event featuring some of the best culinary talent from around the country. Not only do you have the opportunity to sample the freshest seafood, but it’s a fun way to meet, talk and interact with renowned chefs. Mark your calendar for the next Fish to Fork and participate in a unique foodie experience!
This post was created in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Opinions are my own.
