Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park Welcomes Spring With Cooking Demonstrations

While the fall leaf-peeping season is one of the most popular times to be in Shenandoah National Park, spring with its season of renewal is a close second. And to celebrate it, the executive chef of the Skyland Resort is reviving a series of culinary demonstrations for your enjoyment.

Patrick Miller, who had been the sous chef at Skyland, is now the executive chef and is committed to carry on the tradition of preparing local, sustainable food while bringing back aspects of Skyland’s culinary heritage.

“Chef Miller’s knowledge of local and sustainable cuisine and his familiarity with what is popular with our Shenandoah guests make him the right person for this position,” said Wayne Soard, district manager for ARAMARK Parks and Destinations at Shenandoah National Park. “We are excited about the cooking demonstrations coming back to Skyland this season and the new recipes he will bring to the table.”

Chef Miller will share his passion for sustainable cuisine through cooking demonstrations where guests have the opportunity to watch him and the sous chefs prepare their favorite recipes. Demonstrations will feature chocolate chip scones, oatmeal raisin cookies, curry and apple chicken salad, turkey pot pie and the art of making fresh pasta. Guests will receive a recipe card so they may re-create the featured meals for friends and family.

Skyland opened for the season on Thursday. The culinary demonstrations will be getting under way next week. They'll be held in the Mountain Room at Skyland Resort every Tuesday and Friday, beginning April 6 and running through November 23 at 3 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.

In addition to the cooking demos, Skyland Resort will host a Shenandoah Seasonings Vintner Dinner one Friday a month throughout the season. The Vintner Dinners celebrate local wineries and agriculture by featuring a four-course dinner with Virginia wine pairings, a night’s stay at the lodge, commemorative wine glasses and breakfast on Saturday morning. The first Vintner Dinner will be Friday, April 13 at 6 p.m. Cost is $359 for two.