Chef and The Fatman

Cool Destinations

	Congratulations to another jewel in the crown that is culinary and creativity in our great state of Georgia, Flat Creek Lodge. Just 3 hours southeast of Atlanta and outside the quaint and charming town of Swainsboro, GA, Flat Creek Lodge awaits. Walt Disney once said, "Give the public everything you can give them, keep the place as clean as you can keep it, (and) keep it friendly" and Steve and Caroline Harless have done just that with the incredible, hunting and fishing lodge that Walt would have been proud of, Flat Creek Lodge. From the time you approach the artistic metal art adorned gate and enter the beautifully manicured facility you realize you have found you're in a Disneyesque facility just for adults. The "themed/named" (bream, raccoon etc.) rooms are beautiful, spacious, tastefully and artfully decorated utilizing splendid local artisans. The rooms are done in rough-cut pine from floor to ceiling (utilizing only local yellow pine) and are more than you could ever expect. You have only to think it and the extremely attentive staff will produce it for you (be it ice, cokes, coffee, drinks, you name it) there are no coffee pots, soda or ice machines�just mention what you want and it arrives quickly and efficiently�. there is NO TIPPING�.that's right NO TIPPING . Wether it's 5 star dining created by a superb executive chef and pastry chef, delivered to you outside your spacious beautiful rooms, overlooking small lakes with graceful swans parading by for your review, or dining in the very nice restaurant loaded with all kinds of superb taxidermy, dining is just another experience that bedazzles Flat Creeks guests. All of this and unmatched table service makes dining an experience you can't wait for. Would you like to shoot some pool, or watch TV on a 52 inch LCD flat screen television in the "game room"? Be warned there are no TV's or telephones in your room�.don't worry you WON'T miss them. Maybe munch a little fresh popcorn from Flat Creeks movie theatre type popcorn popper. It is available to you in another beautiful lodge type building. The 2,000-acre facility is truly meant to relax and revitalize both your body and your soul. From the beautiful day spa with hot tubs on both ends, you can choose from saunas OR steam rooms (with masseuses on call) overlooking the lake or be driven over to the exotic Japanese bathhouse that is as beautiful and mysterious as it is exotic. Much like the futuristic EPCOT, Flat Creek Lodge is almost totally self sufficient from their large hydroponic gardens to the never ending rows of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry bushes. You will find that most everything from the cheeses (edam, gouda, havarti, Colby and soon pepper jack), eggs (harvested from their on-grounds farm), fresh fruit, herbs and wild game were very probably produced right on the property. Oh, did I mention that they have an excellent hunting property for whitetail, Russian Boar, turkey, quail and duck? Fishermen, fear not, you are not forgotten on the numerous well stocked bass lakes. Fred and I caught and released many 1 - 7 pounders in about 5 hours. These bass are tougher and tastier thanks to the natural spring fed lakes they call home. The knowledgeable and efficient gamesmen will take you to your stands, blinds or lakes and Flat Creek can provide you with the proper equipment/guides if you desire (remember�just think it and it is yours). Wether you want to have that never to be forgotten romantic weekend getaway, the hunting and fishing trip you've dreamed of or reward your employees or customers, Flat Creek can do that in a way that very few can. You can do no better than, nor do you have to look any further than your own back yard of Swainsboro, GA and Flat Creek Lodge�for it truly is a jewel in our crown. Walt Disney often said, "You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality." Steven and Caroline's "dream" has the best staff from top to bottom we have ever met (and we have been to, and been pampered by, some of the best). Chef and the Fatman have designated Flat Creek Lodge as a "Destination Location". Flat Creek Lodge truly is a Disney like facility for adults, an oasis in central GA that will amaze, and impress you. As you let the beautiful metal gate glide to a close behind you as you drive away, you will count the days, hours and minutes till you return for your next well-deserved "Dream Escape"�..trust us�.you will be back.
	Horseshoe Bay Resort is like a Disneyworld for adults. Walt himself would have been proud to see what the Jaffe family has built just an hour outside of Austin, Texas. This property is very well maintained and as you drive down the long entranceway, your enthusiasm grows. Then, when you pass the 18 hole par 72 "miniature" golf course, you realize you are REALLY here (look to your left on the first "tee", you might be amazed at the live pink flamingos watching your stroke). Marriott maintains the hotel to their exacting standards and the greetings, smiles and continuous assistance provided by every staff member will make you realize you are somewhere "special". Whether you choose to stroll, take a seat in the beautiful Oriental Gardens or luxuriate by the hotel pools with water gushing around you, you will feel relaxed. Alternatively, you may want to stretch it out a little on the superbly maintained clay tennis courts or for you hard court enthusiasts - they have that too, it's all there waiting for you. Why not take a trip down to the private Marina on the shores of Lake LBJ (jet skis, rental boats - they have it all. I've also been told the bass action is hot) which is closely located near the Yacht Club. In keeping with the quality and exacting high standards, the Jaffe family has established this as a Yacht Club you are not soon to forget. Try a sumptuous meal prepared by Executive Chef LaFond and his staff out on the deck overlooking the large pool (with a special slate stone bottom and side which makes it look like a deep blue lagoon). Look over the 27 seat hot tub with a large stack stone center piece adorned by a lifelike bronze beauty staring exotically across the water at you. Or you can take a moment to step into the bar and have a fine beverage. Food and Beverage Director Mark Moulinet will make sure your beverage is "full" (I don't know if they know how to measure), tasty, large and brought to you with impeccable service. The whole facility is there for your use. Oh, did I mention the three Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf courses, which will challenge, inspire your best golf and bedazzle you with the scenic splendor of the Texas "hill country". If you would like to fly-in - not to worry - a 6,000 ft runway and private airport is there for your convenience. (The resort also offers private charter jet service on one of their Dornier 328 jets.) Or if you want to leave the plane at home, fly into Austin and the superb staff will be there to take you "home". Horseshoe Bay Resort may be home to 1,800 members but beware, you will quickly want to know how you can become a member. We had the privilege to attend a member meeting and heard about the additional 4th course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that is underway. Let me see, golf, tennis, watersports, pools, an extremely full featured spa area to take care of any indulgence, wonderful cuisine and the natural beauty always surrounding you and customer service that is the best (thanks to Q Principle, the nations leading customer service company providing constant training and service techniques). Yes, Walt would have been proud and we are proud to designate Horseshoe Bay Resort as a Chef and the Fatman Destination Location. Why not take a moment to check out their web site (www.hsbresort.com) but have your calendar handy, as you will want to book your "dream" vacation right now. Hope to see you there.
	Downtown Ellijay is a perfect example of the "Little Town that Can". With all of its North Georgia neighbors cashing in on the growing influx of Atlantan's fleeing north for the weekend getaway, Ellijay is NOT going to be left behind. Wilson and Shawne Seigniors, owners of Trevor's Antiques and General Store have a bit of everything from handmade candles to rare pieces for your cabin or home. Visit Corks and Crumbs. This is a Wine Tasting Room for Frogtown Cellars and Bakery on the Square (the Crumbs portion) has an outstanding selection of pastries and other wonderful prepared food items. (If you're interested, ask at Corks and Crumbs about the outstanding wineries in North Georgia). Also, check out The Cajun Depot (the best Cajun we've had in a long time). There are plenty of things to do for a great, quick and easy getaway. Don't forget the "Taste of Ellijay" coming up May 24th. Chef and the Fatman will be there to guide you on the delicious culinary trip around Ellijay. Oh, did I mention they do a little thing called the Georgia Apple Festival? It is worth waiting for! Dedicated movers and shakers Barbara and Steve Morse (husband of Barbara and President of DEMA Dedicated Ellijay Merchants and Associates) , Virginia aka "Gin" Roberts and her daughter Michele are proudly bringing their town to the spotlight and we are proud to designate Ellijay a Chef and the Fatman destination location�.check it out, you won't be disappointed. I must warn you, give yourself some time when you come to visit, you'll need it!
	Maggie Valley - What a beautiful spot 3200 feet up in the heart of the Smokey Mountains. This small town is perfectly nestled in between many activities that are just short jogs away. So you truly get the peace and serenity between excursions or you just enjoy and totally unwind without the "crowds and congestion" that usually come with excursion locations. We spent a couple of days there and feel like we rested for a week, thanks to a true "treasure of this Valley" Smokey Falls Lodge and The Grizzly Grill. Owners Eric and Lydia have built a true destination location, this is a Chef and the Fatman "must stay" if you are anywhere near MV. The Fatman really appreciated great meals just a few steps away from his room at The Grizzly Grill! We traveled up another 2,500 feet to Cataloochee Ranch - a beautiful and incredibly scenic ranch and resort and were very impressed with what we saw. NOTE: June 2006 allowed us to visit the Cataloochee Ranch - see the review! We found the "Best of Pancackes" at a breakfeast place called Joey's Pancake House (only open 7a - 12p) daily - count on a wait!. When here in MV, another "must do" : take a 45 minute side trip at dusk or early morning to see the majestic elk in the Cataloochee Valley of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Now Maggie Valley has something very special to offer everyone. The grand re-opening of Ghost Town in the Sky slated for Memorial Day weekend 07. Having spoken with David King the Media and Marketing guru I have a great sense that the new owners have spent great time , effort and monies to assure that Ghostown in the Sky will be bigger, badder and better than before BUT with painstaking efforts made to protect and restore the history, culture and treasures that so many people remember so fondly. We will try to get up there and give a more detailed report.
	Savannah - Find the Chef's picks that will make this wonderful city a must do vacation site wether it is three days or 3 weeks.... Savannah needs to be on your agenda.... Please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau to help make your trip much more exciting.... Everything you will need to know is on the page.... CHECK IT OUT!
	Chateau Elan - "The subtle difference of elegance" with all the requirements for a relaxing getaway in style. The C& F staff has been there and we look foward to going back.
	Brasstown Valley - WOW what a wonderful spot.... Natures beauty and Brasstown has enhanced the experience.... The whole staff oohhd and ahhhd at the beaurtiful 75 ft stone fireplace that is a centerpiece of this beautiful resort.... The rooms beautiful the meals FANTASTIC and the service FIRST CLASS.... Check out Brasstown for a getaway that will keep you coming back....BRAVO!
	Gatlinburg TN - Is fun and terrific for young and old.... Nestled at the base of the Smokey Mountains only 3 hours from Atlanta.... You and whomever will have more fun and relax as easily as you possibly can.... Check it out and tell us what you think.
	Trackrock Campground and Cabins - This place is REALLY quite nice... Plus they offer horseback riding and other cool things.... The staff rode there beautiful horses through incredible surroundings.... They gave it HIGH MARKS for friends and family!
	Anchor Bar - Yes, this is the REAL DEAL.... Check this out if you would like to see the home of a National Treasure as well as even order AUTHENTIC BUFFALO WINGS!