Foodies Unite with Mouth-Watering Cuisine and Demos
“Great Chefs at the Lake” Series Returns to The Abbey Resort & Spa

FONTANA, WI – January 25, 2010 – The tastes of Chicago and the relaxed, resort environment will collide during the ever-popular “Great Chefs at the Lake” series at The Abbey Resort & Spa. Three dates were announced as the next weekend chef series featuring distinguished chefs, fine four-course dinners, and kitchen tips and tricks from the pros. It’s a foodie’s dream come true.

The “Great Chefs at the Lake” series will take place over three weekends this spring: March 19-21, March 26-28, and April 9-11. The weekend packages at The Abbey Resort & Spa include a two-night stay, starting with a Friday evening wine reception with the guest chef, followed by a cooking demonstration and a signature four-course dinner prepared by the featured chef.

The diverse tastes of Chicago kick off on March 19-21 with Chef Mark Mendez of Carnivale. With a solid culinary background having worked at several highly-acclaimed restaurants including Chicago’s Spiaggia, Harvest on Huron, Gioco and New York’s Patria, Mendez’ Carnivale menu is a direct reflection of Latin culture and his Puerto Rican ancestry as his menu consists of dishes from Cuba, Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Peru and Argentina. 

Executive Chef Randal Jacobs of Elate – a new Chicago hotspot – will host the second weekend on March 26-28.  With more than 12 years of culinary experience, Chef Jacobs is known to marry simplicity and bold flavors and use the best local, sustainable and artesian products. His exceptional menu combines American Market fare with a pinch of European flair.

On April 9-11, Executive Chef Len Trevino from ItaliAsia will demonstrate his culinary skills during the last weekend of the chef series.  The dynamic flavors Chicago's ItaliAsia has to offer are sure to flatter any palate or appetite. Chef Trevino is inspired by the city's many differing neighborhoods and created a menu that truly replicates Chicago's diversity. ItaliAsia's eclectic menu includes dishes from Italy and Pan Asia and can be ordered according to appetite, as a small or large dish.  

“The ‘Great Chefs at the Lake’ series continues to be one of the most popular events at The Abbey Resort,” said Michael Lucero, director of operations at The Abbey Resort. “We’re excited to see Mark Mendez of Carnivale return as he was a crowd-pleaser in the past and we’re happy to welcome Chef Trevino from Chicago’s new ItaliAsia. We’re expecting a great crowd to enjoy the bold flavors from each of these hot spots.

“Great Chefs at the Lake” weekend packages are $219 per person, plus tax and resort fees and based on a double occupancy.  To make a reservation for the “Great Chefs at the Lake” series, guests can call 888-629-9594.