Now entering its third year, PlateCraft has established itself as a focused, small-format workshop for club and resort chefs. Designed to support technical refinement, creative execution, and meaningful collaboration, the event offers a distinctive alternative to the traditional conference model.
Hosted at Cullasaja Club in Highlands, N.C., PlateCraft 2025 will bring together 25 chefs for a three-day immersive experience built around the structure and standards of a true Chef’s Table. Five chef instructors will lead five teams, each responsible for developing and executing one course of a multi-course meal. Working in close coordination, each team will conceptualize, refine, and prepare their dish over the course of the program.
The final dinner will be served to all participants. Each course will reflect the precision, vision, and collective effort of the team behind it. The process emphasizes shared ownership and thoughtful execution.
“PlateCraft creates space for chefs to collaborate with purpose,” says Scott Craig, WCMC, CCCD, Executive Chef of Cullasaja Club and host of the event. “It’s about working side by side, exchanging ideas and techniques, and delivering something bespoke that truly reflects the strengths of every chef in the group.”
This year’s theme, The Chef’s Table, informs both the format and the philosophy of the event. It invites a deeper focus on timing, precision, and presentation, and sets a high standard for what each team must accomplish. Throughout the experience, instructors will provide technical guidance while also fostering discussion around leadership, kitchen culture, and long-term professional growth.
The featured chef instructors for 2025 include:
- Scott Craig, CEC, CCA, WCMC – Executive Chef, Cullasaja Club
- Adam Deviney – Executive Chef, The Country Club of North Carolina
- Lance S. Cook, CMC, WGMC, AAC – Executive Chef, Forsyth Country Club
- Daniel Montano – Executive Chef, Mizner Country Club
- Andy Chlebana, CEPC, CCA – Chef Instructor, Joliet Junior College
Each brings a distinct style and teaching approach, offering participants a well-rounded and deeply engaging experience.
Registration for PlateCraft 2025 is now open. Participation is limited to 25 chefs to maintain the integrity of the experience and ensure productive collaboration.
