Club + Resort Chef’s 2024 PlateCraft, scheduled for November 3-5 at Cullasaja Club in Highlands, N.C., will bring together top culinary talent from across the country for an immersive two-day event dedicated to elevating both savory and pastry skills through dynamic workshops and hands-on sessions. Executive chefs, pastry chefs, and culinary leaders from renowned clubs such as The Country Club of Virginia, Detroit Athletic Club, Augusta National Golf Club, and The Landings Golf & Athletic Club will be among the participants, representing the best of club cuisine. PlateCraft provides a unique, collaborative environment where attendees can share expertise, gain new insights, and strengthen the connection between savory and pastry disciplines while exploring innovative techniques and showcasing culinary creativity.
This year’s PlateCraft has already sold out, highlighting its strong appeal to club culinary professionals seeking advanced education. Attendees will earn 17 continuing education hours, applicable toward both initial and recertification applications for American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification. Additionally, PlateCraft has been recognized by the Club + Resort Chef Association (CRCA), as an accredited educational opportunity, supporting the certifications of Certified Club Culinary Director and Certified Executive Club Chef, making it an invaluable experience for those aiming to elevate their professional credentials.
“PlateCraft is about bringing together like-minded culinarians who are passionate about pushing the craft forward,” says Joanna DeChellis, Editorial Director for Club + Resort Chef and Club + Resort Business. “By creating a space for chefs to exchange ideas, challenge each other, and explore new techniques, we’re fostering a community that drives innovation and raises the standards of club dining. It’s exciting to see chefs so eager to contribute to this shared vision.”
This year’s theme, The Grand Buffet, will feature a robust lineup of sessions focused on modern buffet strategies, platter techniques, cohesive showpiece design, and innovative pastry approaches. Attendees will explore advanced topics like floating platter elements, building depth of flavor in buffet work, and transforming familiar pastry items into refined creations. The event will also include guided tours of the culinary and dining facilities at Cullasaja Club and Wildcat Cliffs, culminating in a stunning showcase buffet featuring the collaborative efforts of all participants.
Although PlateCraft registration is now closed, chefs can register for the 2025 Chef to Chef Conference, taking place March 23-25, 2025, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. For more information and to secure your spot, visit CheftoChefConference.com.
