Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs 2022 Competition
This year, we were beyond thrilled to learn that our very own Chef Darin Hoagland was invited to participate in Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs competition! During the event guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional hand-picked menu curated by Chef Darin, as well as enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
This year, we were beyond thrilled to learn that our very own Chef Darin Hoagland was invited to participate in Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs competition! Each spring there are seven, one-night-only events that happen throughout Knoxville where seven restaurant’s chefs are invited to participate in a competition that is all about bringing an unforgettable experience to all who attend. During the event guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional hand-picked menu curated by Chef Darin as well as an unforgettable dining experience. Ticket sales benefitted East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
We are happy to report that this year, $28,800 was donated to East Tennessee’s Children’s Hospital.
The Curated Menu
Chef Darin curated a menu that drew on his journey as a chef thus far. With a cameo of a Royale favorite to homages to his time in Florida and childhood favorites, the menu was as eclectic as the evening!
Appetizer - Tuna Sashimi
A dish that is commonly requested, the Tuna Sashimi is made with kimchi mayo, sweet soy reduction, scallions, pickled ginger, wasabi cream cheese, crispy wonton, and tobiko. This appetizer is paired with J Vineyards ‘J’ Brut Rose, Russian River Valley.
Entree - Caribbean Jerked Black Grouper
This entree is made with okinawan purple sweet potato, papaya, mango, kiwi salsa, crispy plantains, and coconut beurre blanc. The Grouper goes great with a glass of 2019 Pieropan Calvarino, Italy.
Dessert - Strawberry Rhubarb
This dessert is made in phyllo with whipped vanilla ricotta, sweet cream, strawberry caviar, and spun sugar. Who doesn’t love a glass of wine with their dessert? This one pairs great with a 2019 Ratti Ochetti Nebbiolo, Italy.
Results are in!
This event was one of the best nights of Chef Darin’s career! While the experience was intense and exhilarating, Chef Darin performed some of his best work under pressure! When asked what his proudest moment of the evening was, he said it was after competing in the event with his staff. Being able to see how proud everyone was of themselves meant the most to him and was the biggest reward of the evening.
The results of the 2022 Top Chefs Competition are in!
APPETIZER
1ST PLACE – Tuna Sashimi Crisp
DESSERT
2ND PLACE – Strawberry Rhubarb
EXPERIENCE
3RD PLACE – Darin Hoagland
We couldn’t be more proud of Chef Darin and the entire Oliver Royale team! We can’t wait for next year’s competition!
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P.S. Don’t forget about our Q2 fundraiser for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity happening now through June 30th. For every Royale Roulette or Librarian Recommendation (PKL) ordered - a $1 donation will be made on your behalf to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, as well as a percentage of every ticket purchased for one of our wine dinners.
A Look Back at Some Special Recent Events
Here at Oliver Royale, our events are our lifeblood. Far beyond just being a restaurant, we love being able to provide a whole experience for our guests. And often, that means designing special events that allow guests to really dive deep into a particular spirit, experience a special holiday dinner, or have fun with others who share their same culinary interests.
Whether you’ve joined us recently for an event, or you’re still mulling over which is the best option for you, take a look at some of the fun we’ve had over the past few months:
Taste of Spain 2-Day Event
The wine event was so good we had to double it up. We’ve featured Grapes of Spain wine at dinner events before. But there’s always been so much interest (and we enjoy the brand so much), that we decided to make this our first-ever multi-day event. Aurelio Cabestrero, the Grapes of Spain ambassador, was a huge part of that decision. His knowledge, charm, and all-around great personality, makes it easy to understand why his events are always such a great success! We wanted to make sure our community had twice the opportunity to experience Aurelio and his product, and we knew that transforming this into a two-day event would make the whole experience more intimate and accessible.
And Knoxville showed up! We sold out BOTH dinners, with 50+ people at each one. If you missed the chance to taste a little Spain, make sure to join us for our Cass Winery Dinner on March 11. It will be a similar celebration of some amazing wines, plus the delicious food to match.
Sazerac Bourbon Dinner
If you were one of the lucky 55 who got tickets to our sold-out Sazerac Bourbon Dinner, you’ll know why this is always one of our favorite events each year. This was our fourth Sazerac dinner, and we think they just keep getting better.
Whether you consider yourself a bourbon connoisseur, or you joined us because you’re trying to acquire that taste for whiskey, the Sazerac dinner is always the perfect night for both ends of the spectrum.
If you missed our Sazerac Bourbon Dinner, check out our cocktail class, June 7th with Post Modern Spirits. This will give you the chance to not only enjoy your favorite spirits, but also learn how to incorporate them into your own homemade cocktails.
Holiday Season Events
Starting from Thanksgiving on, Oliver Royale hosted a marathon of events: our Bubbles Dinner in early December, followed by our Christmas Day and New Years Eve dinners (and then our Valentine’s Day dinner less than 2 months later!). Thank you to everyone who continues to support us through these special events - we were completely booked for all of our holiday events! Since we ask our staff to come in and work on those holidays, the support and love we get from the community on these days means the world.
Catering, In-Home Chef experiences and more!
The feedback we received in 2017 was overwhelming clear - MORE of Oliver Royale beyond our doors. After lengthy brainstorming and adding a new team member to our team - we’re excited to share some of our new offerings in 2018!
Oliver Royale patrons will now get to experience our cuisine beyond our doors under the direction of Oliver Royales’ Executive Chef, Jon Gatlin!
Catering
Whether you’re planning an off-site wedding, corporate luncheon and dinner, or a special party; let Oliver Royale’s team bring next level catering that is sure to impress! With the guidance of Executive Chef, Jon Gatlin, guests will be able to build a beautiful menu to fit their budget, parameters, and food preferences. Our Chef driven experience is designed to accommodate varying event sizes and dates upon request.
“Your” Royale
Oliver Royale offers a chic-city backdrop that can accommodate up to 65 seated guest or 85 reception style. With a five-star cuisine tailored to your event and taste buds, the Royale team brings culinary and service excellence backed by accolades such as Snail Approval and REAL Certified rating. Impress your guests with locally sourced menus that highlight authentic, high-quality, and sustainable food in our community. We guarantee to facilitate all of your needs, as well as provide you and your guests with an unforgettable atmosphere and the gracious service you deserve!
In-Home Chef Experience
Want to impress some important people in your very own home and turn your kitchen into a fine dining restaurant? Alongside Execute Chef Jon Gatlin, you will work together to build the perfect menu from scratch. Allow our team to take it from there with set-up, service, and clean-up included! Hosting an at home five star dinner is effortless when using Chef Gatlin and his Royale team!
Casey Brooks
As you may have seen on our Facebook page and most recent newsletter, Casey Brooks joins the Oliver Royale team as our Marketing and Events Coordinator. Aside from being an avid music lover and die-hard Atlanta Falcons fan, Casey works 1-on-1 with our guests to ensure that no detail is overlooked.
Get started on your next event with one of our new offerings today! Please contact Casey Brooks at caseybrooks@theoliverhotel.com with your event details. Please allow ample time to build a menu that will leave your guests talking!