Omni amelia island plantation’s verandah restaurant re launches with a fresh new look
AMELIA ISLAND, FL (Feb. 18, 2013) – Overlooking the tranquil Racquet Park tennis facility at Omni Amelia Island Plantation, the Verandah seafood restaurant relaunched on Feb. 8, 2013, with a re-imagined menu in an inviting, family-friendly setting. The rejuvenated menu offers an array of fresh, flavorful ingredients sourced from neighboring waters, farms and sustainable fisheries updating the restaurant from the local seafood favorite to a new standard of excellence.
“Our focus is supporting sustainable fisheries from across the country while still appreciating the comfort of our southern traditions,” said Verandah’s Chef Chris Pickren. “We are thrilled to incorporate local purveyors in these efforts, gifting our guests with the best of what Amelia Island has to offer.”
Local partners play an invaluable part in the re-creation of Verandah’s culinary vision, incorporating regional vendors such as Ronnie Gamble’s line-caught catfish and net caught shrimp by The Ashley Mitchel. The resort’s culinary team can also be spotted casting lines from the beach, serving their fresh catch at Verandah or at any of the other resort restaurants. Complementing the catch of the day, the southern inspired menu specializes in fresh traditional seafood, highlighting local favorites like the succulent Apalachicola oysters, Floridian Fish Muddle and sweet corn soup.
In addition to the updated cuisine, the menu offers exciting new interactive features to educate consumers on sustainability and local seafood options, including “Follow the Fish” QR Codes and Amelia Island Fishing Reports. Scanning the Follow the Fish QR code takes viewers to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, a user-friendly guide full of the latest info on sustainable seafood choices available in the United States. For those interested in catching their own fresh fare or simply learning about their catch, the Amelia Island Fishing Report from local boat captains and Fernandina Beach partners keeps readers up-to-date.
The Omni Amelia Island Plantation welcomed Chef Daven Wardynski in late 2012 as executive chef, leading the charge of nine superb restaurants and lounges with the completion of the re-imagination. The new cuisine offerings satisfy every appetite for great food and relaxation. With inventive southern-style fare, farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood and a variety of dining venues, Omni Amelia Island Plantation has earned a reputation for excellence in Florida resort dining.
Chef Wardynski makes it a priority to incorporate local ingredients wherever possible, using his passion for fresh, quality goods to support the farmers and purveyors of the Southeast region. Under his direction, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation has become a sought-out culinary destination for “comfort food with an attitude.”
For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.
About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation
Celebrating the completion of an extensive $85 million re-imagination, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is Florida’s award-winning island destination. Recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, the oceanfront retreat, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla., is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. Situated on the 1,350-acres of the Amelia Island Plantation, the property's improvements include 404 luxury oceanfront guest rooms and suites; the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida including tiered lounge seating, an adults-only infinity edge pool, a family friendly pool, kids' splash area, two hot tubs, and fire features, all boasting spectacular Atlantic views; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; and a variety of new culinary options. Rich in recreational amenities, the resort also offers three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beach; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; award-winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and a nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including kayaking, horseback riding, Segway tours and seven miles of paved trails. The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation feature 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers authentic, genuine guest experiences with AAA Four-Diamond service and the expectations of the Omni brand.
For more information, please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit omniameliaislandplantation.com.