Executive Chef Richard Preston of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach and SHOR American Seafood Grill will join other prominent area chefs at Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay 2012.
This “culinary adventure” and live auction will take place at the A La Carte Pavilion on March 26 at 6 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting the Child Abuse Council of Tampa Bay.
Participating chefs will prepare a unique tableside dinner for 12 as they compete to earn points to win the title of Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay.
Additional honors will be awarded for Best Table Décor and Top Philanthropic Chef of the Year, which will be bestowed on the individual who raises the most money through donations, sponsorships and live auction items.
Located in the Hyatt Regency, SHOR restaurant in Clearwater Beach has made a name for itself among resort guests and Tampa Bay locals thanks to its creative Coastal American cuisine, which features many sustainable, organic, and/or locally sourced foods. This same thoughtful preparation and fresh, eco-friendly ingredients will be evident in the special menu Preston is preparing for the event.
His five-course meal will include select pairings of California wine and a tawny port for dessert:
- Maine Lobster Rolls with Pickled Mango. Herb Salad and Kaffir Lime Granita
St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
- Hot Smoked Steelhead Trout with Duck Confit Risotto and Florida Citrus Broth
MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
- Duo: Yellow Watermelon and Arugula Salad plus Red Watermelon Soup
Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley
- Braised Kobe Short Ribs, Sous Vide Russian Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Bok Choy, and Miso Broth
Napa Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley
- Mulled Port Wine Poached Asian Pear with Walnut, Basil, and Stilton Ragout
Graham’s 10-Year Tawny Port, Oporto, Portugal
SHOR has also donated an exclusive getaway package for the live auction. The winning bidder will enjoy a two-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa with breakfast for two each morning (a $1,600 value).
While this is SHOR’s first time participating in Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay, Preston has donated his talents on behalf of the Hyatt Regency and its signature Clearwater Beach Restaurant at a number of other local fundraising events.
These have included the Pinellas Signature Chefs Auction Extravaganza benefiting the March of Dimes and Fashion Funds the Cure benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, as well two annual events hosted by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce: Taste of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week.
A native of Calgary, Canada, Preston has been with Hyatt for the past ten years. He joined the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach in 2010 as a sous chef, and quickly worked his way up to the executive chef role he holds today.
“Tampa Bay has become my home, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful, vibrant and culturally diverse area,” says Preston.
“I’m also proud to be affiliated with the Hyatt Regency and SHOR American Seafood Grill, and I share their community-conscious philosophy and commitment to our customers, friends and neighbors throughout Florida’s Suncoast.”
Preston emphasizes that he and his staff have always maintained a local focus, from supporting area farms and fishermen to giving back to the community.
“Tampa Bay residents have been so supportive of SHOR ever since we first opened, and that’s why I feel it’s so important for me to give back to the community in any way that I can,” explains Preston.
“We see SHOR as much more than just a ‘hotel restaurant,’ so it means a lot that locals have welcomed us with open arms and eager palates. And I intend to continue doing my best to exceed their expectations, both as a restaurant and as a member of the community.”
Children and families throughout region will benefit from Preston’s participation in Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay, since the event’s proceeds will provide funding for the Child Abuse Council (CAC). Through its intervention, prevention, treatment, and education programs, CAC aims to build stronger families and stop the cycle of abuse.
Individuals interested in attending or donating to the Top Chef of the Year Tampa Bay event can find more details at http://www.TopChefTampaBay.org.
Specializing in the freshest seafood and Coastal American cuisine, SHOR serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an approachable atmosphere, with both indoor and patio seating. Popular among visitors and locals alike, SHOR has become one of the hottest dining destinations on Clearwater Beach.
