“Bring it on!” says the Jekyll Island Convention Center

Executive Chef Shawn Prescott of the Jekyll Island Convention Center

            Shawn Prescott is not a man who is easily intimidated. Since he is the Executive Chef at the dazzling new Jekyll Island Convention Center, that outlook would go with the territory. On any given night, Shawn and his staff might be feeding a thousand guests at a dinner function. Or they may be serving a small group of 10-12 people in one of the smaller meeting rooms. Regardless of the numbers, the goal is the same: fantastic food, attentive service, top quality.

            In fact, the food is the focus with Shawn. “We don’t serve your typical convention food here,” he noted. “We are in competition with top resorts for the business, so we have to be great. Every time.”

            Shawn and the crew at the Convention Center echo the observation of Celebrity Chef Austin Rocconi that chefs are judged every day–by their guests. And since he serves large groups of people, that’s a lot of scrutiny. Not surprisingly, competing at A Taste of Glynn doesn’t rock his boat too much. He makes no bones about it- he plans to win on March 24 in the Appetizer category. He has his “A” game ready; bring on the competition! The secret, according to Shawn, is “planning, planning, planning. Lots of meetings prior to each event. Taking care of details ahead of time.”

            Shawn moved here from Savannah, where he competed in–and won- a similar event for numerous years. He sees A Taste of Glynn as an opportunity to get to know people in the Golden Isles, and let them sample food from the new Convention Center. His introduction is going to be delicious: a braised short rib slider with fresh green chili and cilantro ranch. He is planning to bring 1,000 servings, like all our A Taste of Glynn contestants, so no fair hanging around at his table and gobbling up 25 sliders at a time. Leave a few for the rest of us.

            Like our Celebrity Chef, Shawn operates a green-friendly kitchen, using locally sourced and locally grown foods. He also endorses ethical treatment, and creates dishes that are as healthy and fresh as a walk on the beach–which is right outside his window at the spectacular new convention facility on Jekyll Island. He and his team will be right at home on the other beach, at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St Simons Island. He and his team will be ready to dazzle guests at A Taste of Glynn from 5-8PM, Sunday, March 24. A complimentary shuttle service takes you from nearby Massengale Park to the event. Enjoy live entertainment by Michael Hulett and The Not Brothers, and be sure to shop the famous Silent Auction. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Purchase them in Brunswick at Baby Mack’s BBQ, Hattie’s Books, McGarvey’s Wee Pub, Zachry’s Seafood & Steak and the Glynn Community Crisis Center offices. On St Simons, tickets are on sale at both SunTrust Bank locations, the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort and Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.

Photo courtesy of Golden Isles Photography