EXPERIENCES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Cigars & Port
Indulge in a sophisticated evening of curated pairings featuring four exceptional ports and premium cigars from Davidoff. Throughout the experience, industry experts will share insights into the heritage and craftsmanship behind Davidoff cigars and the featured ports, offering a deeper appreciation of each element.
Thursday, October 16 | 5:30 p.m. | Ash Street Cigar Parlor
Reserve Your Spot: Call (904) 326-5662 to provide payment over the phone. $85 per guest.
Kickoff Dinners
Begin your culinary weekend with delightful kickoff dinners at David’s Restaurant and Burlingame. At David’s, enjoy the creations of chefs David Echeverri, Gilles Schreiber and Brandon Carter. Meanwhile, Burlingame features the talents of chefs Chad Livingston, Sean Blanchette and Dylan Benoit. Each venue offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the skills and creativity of these acclaimed chefs.
Thursday, October 16 | 6:30 p.m. | David’s Restaurant and Burlingame
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
Perfect Pairings
The art of pairing food and Champagne is demonstrated to an intimate group. Chef Okan Kizilbayir and a guest sommelier share insights on Champagne characteristics, grape varieties, and pairing with the flavors of the dishes. Generous pours, delicious bites, and sparkling Champagne abound as long-held myths are debunked, and your appreciation of pairing expands.
Friday, October 17 | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Cookbook & Chef Conversation at Story & Song
Join us for a flavorful afternoon on Friday, October 17, from 3–5 p.m., celebrating local shrimp and the culinary stories of Amelia Island. Enjoy a lively conversation with featured Chefs Dean Max and Dylan Benoit, sample recipes from The Amelia Island Table: Celebrating Community with Stories & Recipes, and explore selections from new fall cookbooks. Tickets are $35 and include the program, appetizers, and a glass of Champagne or wine.
Friday, October 17 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Story & Song
The Decantery Sunset Wine Cruise
Set sail into golden hour aboard this elegant wine cruise, featuring a curated selection of exceptional wines hosted by guest speaker Pedro Rusk. Passengers will enjoy:
- Henriot Brut Champagne
- Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay
- Cambria Viognier
- Matanzas Creek Merlot
- Legacy Red Blend
- Bootleg Cabernet Sauvignon
This experience is exclusively for guests ages 21 and over.
Friday, October 17 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | The Decantery
To Purchase Tickets:
Please contact Joe Callow at (904) 817-8250 or joe@theaihg.com, or to purchase tickets in person, visit:
The Decantery
117 Centre Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Mediterranean Inspired Dinner
Join us for a memorable evening at Coquina Restaurant, where culinary artistry and cultural flair combine harmoniously for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner in a gorgeous al fresco setting with ocean views. Acclaimed chefs Philippe Haddad from PGH Hospitality Group, Bernard Guillas, Private Chef and Master Chef of France, and Papi Gonzalez from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, collaborate to transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Pastry Chef Heidi Kabath from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, and sommelier Michael Kennedy from Fraîche Wine Group will also contribute to this exceptional dining experience.
Friday, October 17 | 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Coquina Restaurant
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Chefs Theater
Chef Okan Kizilbayir refreshes the traditional cooking school format with an intimate gathering around the demonstration table to learn how to prepare two themed entrees and a dessert. Each dish is paired with carefully selected wines to be savored while engaging with Okan, Guest Chef Corey Chow, Master Mixologist Simon Crompton, and esteemed sommelier Kelly Schmidt.
Saturday, October 18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Salt Restaurant
Amelia Island Cookout
Meet and mingle with extraordinary chefs and beverage experts as they take their best work outdoors for an oceanfront cookout. With an unforgettable backdrop of dunes and ocean, enjoy sizzling seafood and grilled and slow-roasted meats and other creations from island and national chefs along with abundant wine and cocktails, desserts and live entertainment.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Barnabas Center.
Saturday, October 18 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | The Ritz-Carlton Oceanfront Lawn
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Mystery Destination Lunch
Experience a culinary journey at a mystery destination lunch. Receive information about the lunch location twenty-four hours before the event. Arrive to the elegantly decorated mystery location to savor a coursed lunch prepared by accomplished Chefs complete with live music and delightful libations.
Sunday, October 19 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Location announced 24 hours prior to event
Master Chefs Dinner
Salt Restaurant provides an exquisite setting for the weekend’s grand finale event, the Master Chefs Dinner. This opulent five-course collaboration, crafted by renowned master chefs, showcases each chef’s unique style, personal specialties, and diverse ingredients, culminating in a symphony of intoxicating flavors.
Featured Master Chefs:
Okan Kizilbayir – Salt Restaurant
Corey Chow – The Stanwich Club
Angie Mar – Le B
Ron Hsu – Lazy Betty
The evening is further elevated by the artful pairing of wines, curated by distinguished sommeliers Michael Kennedy of Fraîche Wine Group and Kelly Schmidt of Blackberry Farm, promising to captivate the senses and enhance flavors, creating unforgettable memories.
Sunday, October 19 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Salt Restaurant
Backyard BBQ & Oyster Roast
Wrap up the Cookout Weekend with a laid-back celebration at a brand new venue in the heart of downtown! Enjoy BBQ, fresh roasted oysters, cold keg beer, cocktails, and great music. It’s everything you love about a classic backyard party.
Sunday, October 19 | 5 p.m. | The Pavilion, Downtown Fernandina Beach
Old Forester Bourbon Dinner at Lagniappe
Enjoy a relaxed evening at one of Amelia Island’s most charming local restaurants. This five-course prix fixe menu is paired with Old Forester bourbon tastings, offering a flavorful and memorable way to close out an eventful weekend.
Sunday, October 19 | 5:30 p.m. | Lagniappe