The chefs at Orlando's Grande Lakes hotel complex have aggressively sought out fresh local ingredients for years. Now they're collecting eggs laid by their own chickens.
Not literally, probably. I don't have specifics. But this morning the resort's culinary team welcomed 20+ chickens, who will now reside on the Whisper Creek Farm outdoor event venue.
It was a star-studded morning, and that's not counting feathery California Reds, California Whites and others, who lay eggs with a green hue. Dale Volkert delivered the eggs. He owns Lake Meadow Naturals, an egg farm where chickens roam free.
Introducing him was Chris Brown, executive chef of the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. And right by their side was Melissa Kelly, the James Beard award-winner whose Primo has been an Orlando leader in farm-to-table sourcing.
I can't seem to upload the videos of the chickens being released into their pen. Please come see them on my On Dining Facebook page. They're short and fun. Here's one. Here's the other.
The chickens may not always stay in that pen. Once they're settled in, they'll sometimes be invited to join the onsite parties.
Eat enthusiastically,
Rona