OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF NINTH ANNUAL FISH TO FORK WEEKEND THIS MAY

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is pleased to announce its ninth annual Fish to Fork culinary weekend will be taking place from May 15-18, 2025. This year the competition includes a lineup of esteemed chefs from around the country including James Beard Foundation Award winners and chefs with Michelin starred restaurant experience, each bringing a unique perspective and culinary style to the competition. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this highly anticipated event offers an unforgettable and unique foodie experience for travelers looking for their next delicious endeavor.

The excitement culminates in a thrilling chef showdown on Saturday night, where event guests will have the chance to vote for the ultimate champion via live vote. Returning this year as host and MC of the competition is culinary travel blogger and influencer Rachelle Lucas, whose blog Travel Bite highlights recipes, food, and travel tips from her adventures around the world.

2025 participating chefs include (*full biographies at the end of release):

Brian Griffith, Choy – Nashville, TN
Eucepe “Cepe” Puntriano, Marbled & Fin – Charleston, SC
Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit – Washington D.C.
Lis Hernandez, Arepa Mia – Atlanta, GA
Samuel-Drake Jones, Hudson Local & Hudson VU – New York, NY
Terry Koval, The Deer and The Dove – Decatur, GA

“Fish to Fork is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and the artistry of great chefs,” said Omar Collazo, Executive Chef of Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. “This event has an unmatched energy, where creativity, skill, and passion come together in a way that truly sets it apart. It’s so fun to see the incredible talent that comes together to create a new version of the competition each year.”

The weekend festivities will kick off on Thursday, May 15^th with a Chef’s Welcome Dinner, where competing chefs will gather and randomly select their charters for the next morning’s fishing excursion.

On Friday, May 16^th, chefs and VIP package guests will head out on a fishing excursion where each chef will be paired with a charter for a five-hour fishing trip. Their catch may include Atlantic Grouper, Red Drum, Black Sea Bass, Flounder, and Skate. The fresh fish caught that day will be featured in the individual competition during Saturday evening’s main event. On Friday night, guests can savor expertly crafted dishes by Omni Amelia Island’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Omar Collazo.

At Fish to Fork’s Saturday Night Main Event, culinary excitement takes center stage as top chefs battle it out in both individual and group challenges, crafting gourmet dishes live for guests to sample and vote on. The evening kicks off with the Individual Challenge, where each chef transforms their fresh catch into a signature dish at their personal cooking station. As guests move from station to station, they taste and cast their votes for their favorites.

The competition heats up even more with the Group Challenge, a high-energy “Chef Showdown” where teams of chefs must create an impromptu gourmet menu—incorporating a secret ingredient revealed moments before the clock starts. With just an hour to execute their culinary masterpieces, the pressure is on to impress the crowd. Guests will once again have the power to vote, determining which chefs will be crowned champions at the end of the night. Throughout the night at the Main Event, guests can expect live music and an open bar, making for an unforgettable experience.

To enjoy a truly immersive experience during the Fish to Fork weekend, a variety of packages are available for purchase including the Fish to Fork VIP Package, Weekend Package, Main Event Package and Main Event Tickets. To book a travel package (all based on double occupancy), or to purchase tickets to the Main Event, and for more information visit www.fishtoforkweekend.com

Fish to Fork VIP Package: May 15-18, from $3,689 per room