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The South’s Acclaimed Chefs
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2018/12 - December
Highlands’ luxury country inn, Half-Mile Farm, is delighted to present up-close-and-personal experiences with some of The South’s most acclaimed chefs. Live music and limited seating make for memorable evenings amid the gorgeous lakeside setting of this unique historical property.
The first Chefs In the House Dinner of 2019 features Chef Matthew Basford from one of Atlanta’s iconic restaurants, Canoe, on Saturday, January 19. He will be joined by the president of California-based DAOU Vineyards, Karen Hunt.
According to Wine Enthusiast Editor Matt Kettmann, DAOU is producing, “…wines that rival top Bordeaux bottlings, and is putting Paso on the global radar for collectible reds.”
Growing up in the culinary melting-pot of Australia, Basford was exposed to a wide variety of seasonal cooking techniques and drew some influence from Pan-Asian cuisine. He started his culinary journey at Pear Tree Cottage in Greenock, followed by Vintner’s Bar and Grill in Angaston. He was awarded second place in Tasting Australia in two consecutive competitions and placed in the Nestlé Junior Chefs of Australia competition, a yearly event that honors the top apprentices in the country. After completing his four-year apprenticeship, Basford was officially a “Qualified Chef,” and traveled to the United States.
In December 2002, Basford moved to New Orleans and began working at Dominique’s, at the Maison Dupuy Hotel in the French Quarter. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, he relocated to Atlanta. Within a week, Basford found himself in the Canoe kitchen. He started as line cook, and worked his way up through the ranks and, in 2013, Basford was named executive chef of Canoe. He continues to specialize in using seasonal ingredients in new and innovative ways. He says, “The best part about being a chef is the ability and freedom you get in creativity. You have the canvas to express yourself every day and you also get instant feedback from guests, be it either good or bad.”
Pairing the talented Chef Basford with the tranquil mountain vistas of Half-Mile Farm is sure to result in great reviews, but these intimate dinners have been extremely popular. Seating is limited, so call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2620 to make your reservations and to learn more about Half-Mile Farm’s Chefs in the House series.
