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Georgia’s Lake Oconee an oasis just waiting to be discovered This 'lake country' playground is a year-round destination

An oasis awaits you at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

Sunrise over the lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

If making spring and summer travel plans are on your agenda, an oasis awaits you at Lake Oconee, about 85 miles east of Atlanta, amid the lush Georgia hillsides, underneath a stunning canopy of evergreen-forested trees. It is here, in “lake country,” that the year-round playground of Reynolds Lake Oconee https://bit.ly/3AojqGD can be explored for an incredible golf-centric trip with friends, a romantic couple’s getaway or a family escape. Many guests love the destination so much that they make it their year ‘round or second home-residence. The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds, Lake Oconee https://bit.ly/420HzyB is the crown jewel located within the lifestyle-centric community. The resort offers something for everyone; boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, bird watching, serene sunrise strolls upon the exquisite lakefront resort, a spa retreat, shopping and of course, cuisine prepared by talented chefs. Golfers can choose from five nationally ranked golf courses designed by famed golf course architects including Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Bob Cupp.

Great Water Golf Course (Photo by Evan Schiller)

Those who want more than just a luxurious guest room, the cottages and The Lake House at The Ritz Carlton feature multiple bedrooms, kitchens, private outdoor space, and a living room.

For those who want to experience what it is like to live at one of Reynolds Lake Oconee communities, choose from National Club cottages, The Landing Cottages or The Village at Lake Club Pointe. To whet your appetite for this experience check it out here: https://bit.ly/440CiZN

Water enthusiasts, get ready for an exhilarating jet-ski experience, a fishing outing, or head out on a pontoon boat or classic Hacker-Craft boat.

There’s no shortage of places to get into the water. The Infinity pool has spectacular views of the lake. Kids will embrace the family pool where they can splash and play in the geysers and on the splash pads. Splash Shack comes to the rescue when hunger hits, featuring light fare, frozen cocktails, wine, and beer.Lap swimmers can get their exercise in the Indoor spa pool. Hours are set aside for adult lap swimming as well as family swim time. Those who enjoy the beach will welcome the private beach at Lake Oconee. Hungry or need a drink to cool down at the beach… check out the Sand Bar.

Family pool at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee)

Live it up by renting a poolside cabana. Not only will you enjoy private seating…the amenities include a freshly sliced-fruit tray, sunscreen, television, cooling system, phone charger, refrigerator with water and soft drinks.

I knew it was going to be a relaxing experience dining at the resort’s “Gaby’s by the Lake” restaurant when I saw the slogan on the sign that says, “No shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure.” The signature dish, Lobster Grilled Cheese is a must. Chock full of lobster salad with hints of tarragon, it is topped with Havarti cheese and served on brioche bread. The BBQ Pork Nachos (pulled pork, tortilla chips, Queso cheese, Cotija cheese and bourbon BBQ sauce, served with Pico de Gallo, guacamole, salsa and sour cream) is enough to share. I am told the “Philly” (ribeye, peppers, onions, provolone, garlic aioli served on a hoagie roll) could perhaps win a Philly Cheesesteak competition! While dining, you’ll enjoy the most inspiring vistas of Lake Oconee.

Entrance to Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee where the motto is “No shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure.” (Photo by Stephen Fries)

Dine alfresco at Gaby’s By the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee)

For more formal dining, Linger Longer Steakhouse serves dinner where you can peek into the open kitchen and watch the chefs meticulously performing their craft. The design of the restaurant makes you feel as if you were dining in a stylish lakeside home. The two-sided stone fireplace adds to the elegance of the room. Prepared on the wood-fired grill, choose from the 8-ounce barrel-cut filet mignon, 7-ounce Australian Wagyu striploin, an 18-ounce Delmonico ribeye among other cuts. Indulge with the “Butcher’s Reserve,” a 40-ounce Porterhouse with foie gras butter. Choose from a selection of sauces: red wine, Bearnaise, green peppercorn, chimichurri, or horseradish cream. Not a red meat eater, no worries. The menu includes a selection of fish dishes: striped bass, king salmon, diver sea scallops, and little neck clams. Leave it to the chef – with the “Chef’s Adventure” menu, where you’ll discover what inspired the chef that day. The menu describes it as “a one-of-a-kind tasting menu – culinary adventure featuring seasonal flavors, textures, and creativity.”

Bourbon connoisseurs, get ready for the Barrel Room, where certified bourbon stewards will match your tastes with the perfect pour. The stewards have curated a collection so you can experience rare bourbons and whiskeys. Of course, wines, from the extensive list, and other cocktails, can be sipped on as well, in the beautifully appointed room. Although libations may be the focus, there are creative small plates available to savor while sipping. You’ll be tempted to try Roasted Spicy Cauliflower (pan roasted, herb blue cheese spread, fennel, petite arugula), Barrel Room Sliders (angus beef patty, horseradish-cheddar cheese, caramelized onions) or Brisket Flatbread (smoked brisket, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, cilantro, blueberry BBQ sauce). And, for dessert, Georgia Peach (white chocolate-peach mousse, spiced-peach core, oatmeal-amaretto cookie crumble, passionfruit gel). Chocoholics can get their fix with the German Chocolate Cake (flourless chocolate cake, caramel coconut pecan filling, chocolate sauce, cherry limeade sorbet, toasted marshmallow, chocolate crumble).

Guests at The Ritz Carlton have access to Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. It was here where I learned clay shooting for the first time (very fun)! Justin Jones, an expert in the development and management of elite resort shooting facilities, has the patience to bring comfort and confidence as you learn the sport. There is a 20- station sporting clays course, plus shooting and archery ranges. Not into this sport, there is fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and an off-roading course. Check out the scenery here – as Justin talks about Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds https://bit.ly/3V8xP3h

Bringing the kids along… Ritz Kids Lake Adventures will keep those who are ages five to twelve occupied for a full or half-day. Their clubhouse has an interactive play floor where they can have loads of fun. Each day, there is a themed experience planned.

On select weekend evenings, the songwriter series hosts songwriters and bands providing music of different genres.

Check out this video where Anne Titlebaum, Director of Operations at The Ritz Carlton talks about the amenities at the resort. https://youtu.be/hTJlbiQux1s

For those who own a home at Reynolds Lake Oconee, planned activities and events will keep you busy. Those interested in the culinary arts will be pleased with the chef series, classes, and curated wine dinners. Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout is at the helm, overseeing the vast food and beverage establishments of the community. I had the opportunity to take one of his classes. Ricotta gnocchi (gnudi) was on the menu.

Reynolds Lake Oconee Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout shows off the gnudi dish the class made. (Photo by Stephen Fries)

3 cups ricotta, moisture removed

4 eggs

2 cups grated parmesan

2 cups flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Put the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl and mix well, add the parmesan, flour salt and pepper and mix to incorporate all of the ingredients. If mixture is too moist and sticky, add a bit more flour. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into ropes, about ¾ inch in diameter. Cut the log into ¾ inch pieces and use a gnocchi roller for making the ridged surface that allows the sauce you use to adhere to the gnudi. You could also choose to roll into small balls. Gently place the gnudi in the boiling water a few at a time. When they float to the top carefully remove from the boiling water. Enjoy with your favorite sauce.

The finished dish from the fun gnudi making class with Reynolds Lake Oconee Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to nearby Madison, Ga. This historic town escaped widespread destruction during the Civil War. It is an internationally renowned destination for history, gardening, architectural and antique enthusiasts. Check out Town 220 Restaurant, www.town220.com , Oconee Coffee Roasters, Madison ChopHouse https://www.oconeecoffee.com/ Grille www.madisonchophousegrille.com and Patisserie on Main https://bit.ly/445O3y2 For more about historic Madison, named “1 Of the 55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” by Architectural Digest, go to www.visitmadisonga.com . It says, “When you think of a quaint Southern town with magnolia trees and antebellum homes, Madison-60 miles east of Atlanta –is just that.”

Stephen Fries, is a newly retired professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, in New Haven, CT. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 14 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. [email protected] For more, go to stephenfries.com.

#The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee #culinary travel #Georgia vacation #gnudi recipe #resort living

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