The Opening

February 2nd 1998 the Verandah opened its doors to the outside community. Prior to that date, the restaurant was only open to club members and resort guest. That was the first day that residents of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach were able to experience the culinary delights of the Verandah. We opened with 200 reservations, 7 cooks in the kitchen and a host of front of the house staff, some of them are still a part of that dinning room staff today. That was the day we were off and running. Here it is 14 years later and there are still staple items on the menu that were there on day one. Some of those menu items have had to be re-invented as they should be. We owe it to our guest to always strive for ways to improve while serving them a consistent product. A product that reputations are built on.
Just yesterday 1-07-2011 I was part of  a new menu tasting at the VK (Verandah Kitchen).Melissa McKnight the Verandah Chef is putting together a new menu for the restaurant and I have to tell you... its creative, inspiring and delicious. It looks to be staying true to the concept of sumptuous seafood served in a family relaxed atmosphere, however the presentations are with her creative flair.
I digress. Back to the opening on my next post.

January 6th 2011

The first post on this blog. Its titled the Verndah Years, because I believe that it was a very special time not only in my life but in all the lives that were touched. Let me explain a little. The Verndah is a special restaurant located on the grounds of Amelia Island Plantation now owned and operated by Omni Hotels & Resorts. I worked there in the restaurant for some years in the kitchen, doing the routine kitchen duties, cleaning, cooking, yelling, laughing, more cooking, dishes, administration. All the things that make the hospitality business so fun yet demanding. It was those years in that kitchen that friendships were made, respect formed and life's lessons taught. The Restaurant always seemed to be a place were friends gathered, both in the front as guest or in the back as associates. Every time I  walk into the kitchen now I cant help but remember another story...or plate of food... or associate that just brings a sense of pride to my posture. Not every moment there I was always proud of but everyone of those moments makes those years what they are. I Hope to share a little of the past stories of that Restaurant in this blog, but more importantly I want to share the future of it. It is now being driven in a new light. It now has an opportunity to move forward and become a place that is talked about as a leader in food and beverage in the community.

Till next time.