On January 22, 2023, our Sandbar property welcomed Outstanding In The Field, an international event company focused on bringing large groups of foodies to experience a private dinner in a unique location with a custom wine and meal pairing. For the third time, they selected Chiles Hospitality as their partner on Florida's west coast, putting a spotlight on our gorgeous Anna Maria Island gulf beach, and roster of local farmers, fishermen, and chefs. The island’s laid-back lifestyle is one of the reasons they keep coming back. The other is the plethora of fresh seafood and locally grown produce they were lucky to feast on at the table. And then there are the views of glorious sunsets over the Gulf.
The crew arrived early that Sunday to set up the beach with a spectacular sundial in the sand. The long table hugged the sun in a semi-circle, with flags surrounding it to block outsiders from the ticketed affair. This year our founder Ed Chiles was happy to attend the special event, opening Sandbar's kitchen, headed by Chef Horacio Eagan, to prepare all the food. Four other star chefs from Chiles Hospitality added their own specialty to the menu including Ted Louloudes & Helena Vavrikova of Anna Maria Bake House, Thomas Villetto of Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, and Aaron Kulzer of Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub. Host fisherman Brian Lacey, a good friend of Chiles Hospitality, supplied the seafood, and farmers Zack Rasmussen & Natasha Ahuja of Gamble Creek Farms provided the vegetables. The three of them were at the table to tell the story of their local fare. Overall it was a delightful dinner for a sold-out 220 guests.
