The 6th Annual Fish to Fork 2019 is the ultimate, culinary experience held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. I was invited to partake in a one-of-a-kind foodie experience.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omni Hotels & Resorts. The opinions and text are all mine.

Tucked away behind the gorgeous canopy trees, you take the circular drive with the swaying palm trees welcoming you to the resort. You are instantly greeted by the bellman eager to welcome you to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. I have arrived at the 6th Annual Fish to Fork 2019 event. 

Overall View of Fish to Fork

• When: Mother’s Day Weekend (every year)
• Tickets: Guests can select from three exclusive packages 
• Who: People who love fish or are looking for a foodie experience on the beach in Florida
• Participants: Renowned chefs from around the United States to showcase their culinary skills in a competition 

Day 1:

Chef’s Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner

This welcome dinner is for participating chefs and guests part of the VIP package. On this evening, chefs randomly draw where they will randomly select the fishing charter for the next morning. Guests are treated to homemade cocktails and a vast selection of delicious food. You also learn about the Sprouting Project that is on the resort grounds. 

The 2019 Menu Included: 

 

Day 2:

Fishing Charters

Rise and Shine it’s time to go deep sea fishing. This was a first for me and yet I was nervous, anxious and excited at the same time. It was a windy day out on the boat, but we had beautiful weather on our 1 hour 30-minute ride out to sea. I also believe the Dramamine helped before I got on the boat. The fish caught on these charters were to be used in the individual cooking portion of the main event by each chef. If you opt out of the fishing event, there is a catered lunch. 

Wine Dinner

Executive Chef Todd Ruiz and his culinary team can share skills with this wine paired dinner featuring female-led wineries and winemakers. The event starts with a cocktail hour plus the addition of freshly cut fish. You move into the blue-lit ballroom with a moving aquarium along the exterior walls. The center is showcasing the lineup of fish dishes created by Chef Todd and his team.

The Menu Included the following: 

Day 3:

Main Fish to Fork Event held in the Magnolia Garden 

The all-female chef line up for 2019 showcased their individual fish dishes that were judged by one another and the guests. You can visit each station before casting your final vote.

Kerri Rogers │ Bellwether │Jacksonville, FL

Stacy Cogswell | Boston, MA

Alexia Gawlak │Swine & Sons│Orlando, FL
Whitney Otawka │Greyfield Inn │Cumberland Island, GA

Kelly Franz |Magnolias| Charleston, SC

Maneet Chauhan │Chauhan Ale & Masala House│Nashville, TN

My favorite dish was the grouper by Chef Whitney. 

Then it’s on the main competition area where the chefs will split up to compete on specific teams (ex. Blue vs. white). They have one hour to create their dish, cook it, and serve to 300+ guests. Once all dishes are out, the guests can vote via an app on their mobile devices. 

The pictures below are the final plated dishes from the competition. The group that won the 2019 Fish to Fork event was the blue team. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2020 FISH TO FORK EVENT MAY 7-10, 2020.

Feel free to bring your family to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort to enjoy beachfront access and many activities and restaurants that are on site. While staying at the resort, I was able to take a Nature Segway Tour (so much fun) and try a stand-up pedal board. 

ENJOY ~ Meagan 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for the Fish to Fork 2019 event. Thanks for your support on the brands that we love.