Disclosure: I attended a VIP Blogger luncheon and received tickets to this event for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Even though I am not a golfer, I live in a house filled with guys who love to watch the sport. Each year when the Valspar Championship comes to beautiful Innisbrook Resort, they set aside one day to attend. Not only did my guys attend the event this year, but I was privileged to attend a #FoodieFriday blogging event during Championship Week.
This was actually my first time at Innisbrook Resort, and I was enamored with just how beautiful and big everything is. The buildings and golf course are in impecable shape and that is due in part to the remarkable and knowledgeable staff that Innisbrook boasts.
When we arrived at Inverness Hall, we were greeted by Matt Owen, Lauren Smith, Jomary Jiminez and Jessica Fox. These gracious folks either work with Innisbrook or are with the PR team that assists Innisbrook with their events. They hosted us throughout the afternoon and were so kind and professional to each of us.
We started our afternoon by heading to the new Grape and Grain Emporium for a Meet and Greet and Cooking Demo with celebrity chef Ming Tsai. When we arrived, he was cooking up Red Roast Duck Potstickers. Yum! Chef Tsai is so friendly and down-to-earth. He took the time to speak with each of us and take photos.
I am so very impressed with Chef Ming Tsai’s heart. He spoke with us in depth of how he has partnered with Family Reach, an organization that is a financial lifeline for those families fighting cancer as an Executive Chef Ambassador. Did you know that cancer is the number one reason for bankruptcy in the United States? I had no idea. For over two decades, Family Reach has been helping families with cancer manage the overwhelming financial and emotional barriers of the disease. Working in close collaboration with a network of more than 200 hospitals and cancer centers nationwide, Family Reach provides immediate financial assistance, education and outreach to qualified families in need. This is such a wonderful organization and I love what they do! You can see more about Family Reach and what they do to bless others HERE.
After we finished with Chef Tsai, we walked around to observe the tournament for a few minutes before heading over to the Market Salamander Grille for lunch. I love all of the cute touches to detail in every area of the property during the tournament! When we arrived at the Market Salamander Grille, we were greeted by Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort’s new chef, Executive Chef Thomas McKinney-Stehr.
Oh my goodness, Chef prepared quite the spread for us! Everything from Blackberry bourbon fizz, Colossal onion rings, Tuscan risotto fritters, chicken quesadillas, Carolina pork flatbread, Margherita flatbread, Bacon wrapped jumbo shrimp, Chicken wings and Kona crusted grilled lollipop lamb champs. The food was beyond amazing! One of the things that I love about Innisbrook Resort is that their restaurants are open to the public. Come and enjoy a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner anytime! I noticed that they have lots of wonderful activities for the family and Easter Brunch or Dinner for Easter weekend April 14-16, so you may want to check that out! I can’t wait for hubby and I to go back for a date night or brunch!
At the end of our lunch we were greeted by American businesswoman and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, Sheila Johnson. What a distinguished lady and businesswoman! I am so thankful for the amazing opportunity to attend this event and to network with some amazing influencers from our area! Innisbrook is truly a remarkable place and I am looking forward to returning! Thank you to the wonderful folks at Innisbrook for their amazing hospitality to us!
On Saturday, my husband and son Drew went back to the Valspar Championship for the day. They look forward to this every year and had a blast! They followed around many of the players on the course and had great father/son time! The Valspar Championship is definitely an event that you need to put on your calendar for next year! In the meantime, be sure to head on over to Innisbrook Resort to check out their delicious restaurants!
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