  L-R: Kelly Wilmot (Executive Pastry Chef), Peter Zoole (Executive Chef), Troy Bonghi (Chef de Cuisine), Taufeeq Ballim (Executive Sous Chef) (Photo by Gideon Heller)
Stamford, Connecticut (August 12, 2021) -- Addison Reserve Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida, has earned the rigorous Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence. Diana DeLucia, president and founder of the Golf Kitchen brand delivered the Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence plaque to Peter Zoole, Executive Chef and his team. "Peter and the culinary team at Addison Reserve are among the finest in the country," said DeLucia. "They have built a superb member culinary experience—from fine dining dinners, imaginative banquets, and event cuisine, plus, they have an incredible pastry team that continues to delight." Addison Reserve Country Club is minutes away from the heart of downtown Delray Beach, "America's Most Fun Small Town." This boutique community and exclusive club welcomes residents and members to a luxury lifestyle that combines the harmony of nature, excellence in service, and superior amenities. Addison Reserve is a Distinguished Elite Club and is recognized as #5 out of the top 150 clubs in the country, and as #32 in the world by Platinum Clubs of the World. “My team and I take great pride in providing our members, their families, and guests with exciting and artfully crafted dining experiences,” said Zoole. “Addison Reserve Country Club is honored to receive this prestigious award from our esteemed peers in the culinary and club industry." The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club's ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation. As part of the process, clubs must apply to be considered for certification, followed by an on-site evaluation and a series of interviews with the culinary team and management. DeLucia believes that club dining rooms will become the "go to" restaurants of the future, an observation made even more likely in the era of COVID. "With more younger people coming back to private clubs, in particular younger couples and families joining clubs and moving into golf communities, a club's culinary offerings are increasingly important," she said. For additional information about Golf Kitchen or the Certification of Culinary Excellence, access the website at www.golfkitchen.com. About Golf Kitchen Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. which is held at GlenArbor Golf Club, in Bedford Hills, New York, annually. Media Contacts: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013 Diana DeLucia, President Golf Kitchen diana@golfkitchen.com (860) 406-1782
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Stamford, Connecticut (July 13, 2021) – The Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, September 9 at the prestigious GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, New York. "The third edition of the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards promises to be our best ever,” said Diana DeLucia, Founder of the Golf Kitchen portfolio. “An impressive line-up of private golf and country club chefs will take guests on a culinary journey and ensure an unforgettable event.” A reception featuring signature cocktails created by Liberty National's Shaun C. Lewis, specialty wines, and hors d'oeuvres will kick off this elegant event. During the pre-dinner period, fortunate guests will receive some golf pointers from Rob Labritz, GlenArbor’s Director of Golf, 2021 Metropolitan Teacher of the Year, 2021 Massachusetts Open, 2019 PGA Championship low club pro and more! Cohesity, a modern multi-cloud data management company, will sponsor the renowned island green situated off the Club's patio that overlooks the 18th green. A four-course menu will showcase a collection of progressive American club cuisine utilizing the finest products available. GlenArbor's sommelier and wine director Fernando Silva will pair fine wines to enhance each dish. Culinary awards in 11 categories will be presented throughout the evening. Host Executive Chef Michael Ruggerio and Marisa Hernandez, Executive Pastry Chef, of GlenArbor Golf Club, will welcome a stellar, talented team to their kitchens, including:
“Any time you have the opportunity to collaborate and work with a collection of accomplished chefs and industry peers you know it’s going to be a special evening for all involved,” Ruggerio said. “Chefs are artists, and each one involved will have a unique perspective—one that has developed over many years of hard work and training. I’ll enjoy seeing the methods and techniques used to create the meal for this special evening.” DeLucia added, “I commend Morgan Gregory, president of GlenArbor, and his staff for their continued commitment to raising awareness and rewarding the high-level culinary talent in the private club industry." Award categories will encompass private golf and country clubs, golf communities, chefs, pastry chefs, and wine programs, as well as visionary leaders and rising stars. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Diana@GolfKitchen.com For more information about the event go to https://www.golfkitchen.com/awards. For Reservations: jperez@glenarborclub.com jperez@glenarborclub.com ### About GlenArbor Golf Club Providing a collegial combination of golf, fine dining, and camaraderie, the GlenArbor Golf Club was founded in 2001. The Club is located on 200 acres of land in northern Westchester County, on grounds that were originally developed in 1917 as the White Estate – one of the largest, historic estates in Westchester. GlenArbor's master plan preserved the property's historic roots as benefitting its heritage. The award-winning Mark Finlay designed, 33,000 square-feet clubhouse that overlooks the first and eighteenth fairways and offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding landscape. Formal and informal dining options are available along with a number of private dining and meetings rooms in which to host intimate and larger member events. About Golf Kitchen Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a semi-annual magazine, books, unique culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. Media Contacts: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013 or Diana DeLucia, President Golf Kitchen diana@golfkitchen.com (860) 406-1782  Stamford, Connecticut (June 19, 2021) -- GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills, New York, is among the first recipients of the rigorous Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence. Diana DeLucia, president and founder of the Golf Kitchen brand delivered the Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence plaque to Michael Ruggiero, Executive Chef and Fernando Silva, Sommelier, and the club’s culinary team. "Michael and his team at GlenArbor have a unique opportunity to create a high standard of menus due to a supportive membership that is made up of not only passionate golfers, but foodies and wine enthusiasts,” said DeLucia. “Pair these tastes with Fernando’s extensive knowledge, and you have a winning team that nails it every time.” GlenArbor’s 30,000 square foot clubhouse is the centerpiece of the members’ culinary experiences. Built on the site of the White Estate, one of the largest, historic estates in the Town of Bedford, and designed by Connecticut architect Mark Finlay, the building is situated on a commanding site overlooking the golf course and provides countless amenities in an intimate and comfortable environment. The focus of the main floor is the dining room and grill room, which open onto traditional covered porches, taking advantage of sweeping views of the first and eighteenth fairways. The clubhouse is a preferred location not only for intimate dinners, but also for larger events up to 160 guests. The third annual Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards will be held here on September 9, 2021. “Anytime you are recognized by well-respected industry peers it’s an honor and a validation of your hard work,” said Ruggiero. “Without the dedicated and talented culinary team my success as a chef would not be fully realized. It’s the collective efforts of everyone that gets us to the goal.” The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club’s ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation “We are really honored to receive the prestigious Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence,” added Silva. “I believe that as true professionals in the hospitality industry we strive daily to achieve the most satisfactory standards of service and experiences for our members and their guests. In that endeavor we are never alone, it takes a lot of positive energy from every individual on every team.” The evaluation criteria and process were created by an advisory board comprised of noted private club managers, chefs, and culinary consultants. As part of the process, clubs must apply to be considered for certification, followed by an on-site evaluation and a series of interviews with the culinary team and management. DeLucia believes that club dining rooms will become the “go-to” restaurants of the future, an observation made even more likely in the era of COVID. “With more younger people coming back to private clubs, in particular younger couples and families joining clubs and moving into golf communities, a club’s culinary offerings are increasingly important,” she said. For additional information about Golf Kitchen or the Certification of Culinary Excellence, access the website at www.golfkitchen.com.  Left: Michael Ruggiero, Executive Chef . Right: Fernando Silva, Wine Director and Sommelier About Golf Kitchen
Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. which is held at GlenArbor Golf Club, in Bedford Hills, New York, annually. Media Contacts: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013 Diana DeLucia, President Golf Kitchen diana@golfkitchen.com (860) 406-1782  Stamford, Connecticut (June 8, 2021) Naples National Golf Club has completed the rigorous Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence. Diana DeLucia, president and founder of the Golf Kitchen brand personally delivered the award plaque to Jason Voiselle, Executive Chef, and his team. “Jason and his staff at Naples National Golf Club produce incredible cuisine for members and guests,” DeLucia said. “A fine dining evening at Naples National is a lavish experience and Jason’s presentations are visually stunning. Additionally, the wine program run by Dan Ano is sophisticated and ever evolving.” The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club’s ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation, including:
The evaluation criteria and process were created by an advisory board comprised of noted private club managers, chefs, and culinary consultants. As part of the process, clubs must apply to be considered for certification, followed by an on-site evaluation and a series of interviews with the culinary team and management. “The culinary team is honored to be part of the foundation on which private club hospitality is recognized throughout the industry,” said Voiselle. Naples National, which is also known for its Hurdzan/Fry, award-winning golf course, prides itself on delivering attention to detail starting from arrival at the front gate. The friendly atmosphere and shared passions for golf and culinary excellence envelops the entire property. For additional information about Golf Kitchen or the Certification of Culinary Excellence, access the website at www.golfkitchen.com. # # # About Golf Kitchen Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. which is held at GlenArbor Golf Club, in Bedford Hills, New York, annually. Media Contacts: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013 Diana DeLucia, President Golf Kitchen diana@golfkitchen.com (860) 406-1782  Jason Voiselle, Executive Chef, with kitchen staff Eric Wilson and Chayo Soto   Left: Shaun C. Lewis, Executive Chef and Assistant General Manager. Right: Lee Smith, Managing Director, Liberty National Golf Club. Stamford, Connecticut (May 27, 2021) -- Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, New Jersey, is among the first recipients of the rigorous Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence.
Diana DeLucia, president and founder of the Golf Kitchen brand personally delivered the Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence plaque to Shaun C. Lewis, Assistant General Manager / Executive Chef and Lee Smith, Managing Director at Liberty National. "Shaun is a multidimensional chef with specialization in various fields, including culinary, spirits and mixology, wine studies, community outreach, and beekeeping. He sat for his CMAA certification last year and qualified. Is there anything Lewis can't do," said DeLucia. “Under his leadership a strong culinary program has been developed and is an excellent springboard for the right team members to develop culinary ideas." One of the world’s most picturesque golf courses, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J., with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan skyline. The golf club fittingly opened on July 4, 2006 and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder/Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman, currently chairman of Fireman Capital Partners, and his son Dan Fireman, managing partner of Fireman Capital Partners. Liberty National has been the proud host numerous PGA Tour events and The Presidents Cup in 2017. Later this year, the club will host The Northern Trust 2021. The club offers a very personalized culinary service with an emphasis on using the highest quality ingredients and proper techniques. Chef Lewis has garnered a reputation for creating some of the most luxurious events and has set a new standard in event dining for the PGA Tour. "I am so proud of our team and very happy for the Fireman family to receive this prestigious award,” Lewis said. “It means a great deal to all of us at Liberty.” The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club’s ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation, including but not limited to:
DeLucia believes that club dining rooms will become the “go-to” restaurants of the future, an observation made even more likely in the era of COVID. “With more younger people coming back to private clubs, in particular younger couples and families joining clubs and moving into golf communities, the club’s culinary offerings are increasingly important,” she said. For additional information about Golf Kitchen or the Certification of Culinary Excellence, access the website at www.golfkitchen.com. # # # About Golf Kitchen Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. which is held at GlenArbor Golf Club, in Bedford Hills, New York, annually. Media Contacts: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com  Stamford, Connecticut (May 20, 2021) - Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples, Florida, is among the first recipients of the rigorous Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence. Diana DeLucia, president and founder of the Golf Kitchen brand personally delivered one of the first Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence plaques to Scott Haegele, Director of Clubhouse Operations, Executive Chef Juan Pablo de la Sota Riva Leal, and the team at Royal Poinciana Golf Club. "The Royal Poinciana staff and its membership have set have set a high bar for excellence in all areas," said DeLucia, who has amassed ten years of experience reviewing and visiting private golf and country club kitchens. "They have empowered their teams with the framework to continue to develop their exceptional culinary operations." "Royal Poinciana received two great accolades this year—the Golf Kitchen Certification and the Platinum Clubs of America. I am so proud of my team and their commitment to excellence," said Haegele. The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club’s ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation, including but not limited to:
The evaluation criteria and process were created by an advisory board comprised of noted private club managers, chefs, and culinary consultants. As part of the process, clubs must apply to be considered for certification, followed by an on-site evaluation and a series of interviews with the culinary team and management. DeLucia believes that club dining rooms will become the “go-to” restaurants of the future, an observation made even more likely in the era of COVID. “With more younger people coming back to private clubs, in particular younger couples and families joining clubs and moving into golf communities, the club’s culinary offerings are increasingly important,” she said. For additional information about Golf Kitchen or the Certification of Culinary Excellence, access the web site at www.golfkitchen.com  Left: Executive Chef Juan Pablo de la Sota Riva Leal. Right: Scott Haegele, Director of Clubhouse Operations. Image by Stephanie Starr About Golf Kitchen
Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. which is held at GlenArbor Golf Club, in Bedford Hills, New York, annually. Media Contact: Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013 Diana DeLucia President Golf Kitchen diana@golfkitchen.com (860) 406 1782  Jersey City, NJ — Shaun C. Lewis, CCM, CEC, PCIII, Assistant General Manager and Executive Chef at the prestigious Liberty National Golf Club, has added a new designation to his professional pedigree – that of Certified Club Manager (CCM).The CCM designation indicates that a club management professional has completed a rigorous course of study and training and shows a dedication to proficiency and expertise in club management. Approximately 1,500 CMAA members hold this prestigious designation.Lewis, who joined Liberty National in May 2009, is in rare company holding both Executive Chef and Certified Club Manager designations. There are only three other people in the United States with these dual credentials. Additionally, he holds a Pro Chef Level Three (PCIII) certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, from where he graduated in 1991. Established in 1965, the CCM designation is the hallmark of professionalism in club management. It is a valuable, internationally recognized, and widely respected mark of a manager’s long-term commitment to professional development and the club industry. In order to receive the CCM designation, candidates must invest time in specified educational requirements through the Business Management Institutes, attend the World Conference on Club Management, and maintain activity within their local chapter. After these conditions have been met, the individual must pass the CCM Exam.  “My unique position at Liberty National suits me as I enjoy creativity and am passionate about the business aspect of club operations as well”. I surround myself with talented-creative types” said Lewis. “Getting to know our members and collaborating with them on menu ideas has evolved our club’s cuisine”. Lewis also noted “we have always embraced sustainability and have been environmentally conscious in all aspects of our operations.” Lewis started an apiary at Liberty National for pollination and population reasons and is currently enrolled in the master beekeeper program at Cornell University. He is pursuing his sommelier designation and serves on the board of directors at the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City.One of the world’s most picturesque golf courses, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J., with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan skyline. The golf club fittingly opened on July 4, 2006 and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder/Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman, currently chairman of Fireman Capital Partners, and his son Dan Fireman, managing partner of Fireman Capital Partners. Designed by U.S. Open Champion Tom Kite and esteemed golf course mastermind Bob Cupp, Liberty National has been the proud host numerous PGA Tour events and The Presidents Cup in 2017. Later this year, the club will host The Northern Trust 2021. For more information about Liberty National Golf Club, visit www.libertynationalgc.com │Twitter: @LibNatGolf Facebook: LibertyNationalGC Media Contact: Karen Moraghan kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com 908/963-6013 www.hunter-pr.com  The Liberty National Clubhouse and the 18th hole. Image courtesy Liberty National Golf Club
Hello all, September 2021 is the 4th anniversary of Golf Kitchen Magazine. I am so thankful that we have made it this far into the journey. I want to take this time to thank everyone that has helped me with each magazine, as well as Golf Kitchen events, including our first book launch locations Winged Foot Golf Club in 2016 and Cassique at Kiawah Island Club in 2017, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards at GlenArbor Golf Club and Golf Kitchen Punta Mita 2018 and 2019. I thank all of our subscribers and encourage more Private Golf and Country Clubs, Chefs, and Foodies to subscribe in the future. During the lockdowns of 2020, several notable General Managers and Executive Chefs joined my advisory board. They assisted in writing up the first "Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence." The certification is determined by the club's ability to meet and exceed its members' expectations in various culinary arena avenues. The culinary experience is often the most judged and most challenging to quantify of any department in a private club. The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence logo can be showcased on menus, websites, newsletters, and annual meetings as a symbol of excellence. The certification can be used to distinguish your club from the competition. 
I will be personally delivering the first framed 9 Certifications in the coming months. As the vaccinations begin to advance, our next step is to resume the certification nomination process and begin to send out our introduction packets and criteria.
We have scheduled the next Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards at GlenArbor Golf Club on September 10th, 2021. We will release more information in the coming months. Sponsors for this event are welcome to request more information at info@golfkitchen.com or call Diana Delucia at 860 406 1782 to enquire.
The second book in the Golf Kitchen series will resume production and attempt fourth-quarter print timeline. There have been multiple challenges, changes, and a pandemic, but timing is everything, and I believe that the finished product will reflect all of our hard work and perseverance.
Early last year, I became a partner with ClubsHelp Foundation, a national movement that connects to clubs and their members with local causes and the charities that are most important to them. I look forward to watching this powerful network grow in the coming years. I want to congratulate founders David Bachman and Rob Goulet, and the rest of the board and partners for working so hard to create this worthy foundation. The ClubsHelp story will be featured in the next issue of Golf Kitchen Magazine, which will ship in March to all our subscribers. A digital version will be available shortly after. 
I am looking forward to the release of our next magazine which ships in March and features, Dominic Calla, Executive Chef at Round Hill Club, Derin Moore CMC at Reynolds Lake Oconee, Ed Stone, Executive Chef at Baltusrol Golf Club, Traditions in Wine Excellence at GlenArbor Golf Club, The ClubsHelp Story, Local and Healthy at Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Clubhouse Cocktails and more.
I am looking forward to continue to advance the culinary talent in the Private Golf and Country Club Industry in 2021 and beyond. Regards, Diana DeLucia President diana@golfkitchen.com 860 406 1782 
 Private Golf and Country Clubs Must Pass Rigorous Series of Protocols October 21st, 2020, Stamford, Connecticut – Golf Kitchen®, the only organization dedicated to identifying and showcasing the world’s finest golf and country club culinary offerings—has launched an international certification program for club food and beverage teams, a way for the most sophisticated and advanced private clubs to distinguish themselves from their competition. The Golf Kitchen Certification of Culinary Excellence is based on a rigid set of criteria and a club’s ability to produce an exemplary product, as evaluated by an independent review of the entire food and beverage operation, including but not limited to:
The evaluation criteria and process were created by an advisory board comprised of noted private club managers, chefs, and culinary consultants. As part of the process, clubs must complete and submit an application to be considered for certification, followed by an on-site evaluation and a series of interviews with the culinary team and management, when it is safe to do so. DeLucia believes that club dining rooms will become the “go-to” restaurants of the future, an observation made even more likely in the era of COVID. “With more younger people coming back to private clubs, in particular younger couples and families joining clubs and moving into golf communities, the club’s culinary offerings are increasingly important,” she said. The inaugural certified clubs include Sebonack Golf Club, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Addison Reserve Golf Club, Richland Country Club, GlenArbor Golf Club, Liberty National Golf Club, Greenwich Country Club and Naples National Golf Club. For more information visit https://www.golfkitchen.com/certification.html or call (860) 406-1782. # # # About Golf Kitchen Golf Kitchen was founded in 2014 by Diana DeLucia, an internationally recognized culinary writer/photographer, to recognize private golf and country clubs for the quality of their culinary offerings. The Golf Kitchen portfolio includes a bi-annual magazine, books, special culinary events, and an annual program, the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards. Media Contact Karen Moraghan Hunter Public Relations kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com (908) 963-6013  Mock up only. Actual plaque in production.
 LEARN ABOUT THIS NEW FOUNDATION THAT IS QUICKLY GAINING MOMENTUM IN CLUBS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. DANIELLE TUCKER OF THE GOLF CLUB INTERVIEWS ROB GOULET, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF CLUBSHELP.  |
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