Chefs collaborate, combine talents for 'Guest Chef Dinner' series

On Oct. 22, diners in the know will make the trek to Kiawah Island's monthly "Guest Chef Dinner" at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary.

The dinner will feature Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse as the guest chef. McKee will collaborate with the chef de cuisine of The Ocean Room, Nathan Thurston, to deliver five courses of culinary delight to diners. The evening will highlight the two chef's interpretations of the local autumn harvest.

The menu conjures fall with offerings such as an Autumn Spiced Pumpkin and Coconut Bisque made with pumpkins from Farmer Sidi's Farm, served with slow-cooked short ribs from Mibek Farms and rainbow chard and a hearty Rack of Venison With Wild Mushroom Risotto and Rosemary-Mint Jus.

"This celebration of autumn cuisine joins two local steakhouses for an unforgettable dining experience," Thurston says.

For, the chance to participate in the Guest Chef Dinner was an exciting prospect and an opportunity to work with old friends. "I have been working with The Sanctuary for years. From their initial building stages until now, we have collaborated well together," McKee says. "When Nathan asked me to do this dinner, I gladly accepted."

McKee says that there will be recognizable items on the menu for fans of Oak Steakhouse, such as Beef Carpaccio With Shaved Black Truffle, White Truffle Oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano, a favorite dish at his restaurant. Along with this well-known favorite, there also will be such items as the Palmetto Farms Squab With Squab-Apple Sausage, Rosebank Farm's Broccoli Rabe, and Butternut Squash.

The Guest Chef Dinner was created as an opportunity for chefs to get together and collaborate on providing a special dining experience.

"The dinners are usually seasonal, and the menu is a truly collaborative reflection of the participating chefs," Thurston says. "It is interesting and exciting to see the chef's personalities come together to create these unique menus."

The event will feature a reception that begins at 6:30 p.m. with complimentary champagne and canapes. The five-course dinner begins at 7 p.m. and includes wine pairings with each course. After dinner, the chefs will visit each table to meet with diners and discuss the meal.

This will be the sixth event of the monthly Guest Chef Dinner series at The Ocean Room, in which Thurston is partnering with some of the top chefs from around the country. Previous dinners have features chefs such as Charlie Trotter, Sean Brock and Mike Lata.

The cost of the all-inclusive dinner is $125 (not including taxes and gratuity). For information and to make reservations, call The Ocean Room at 768-6253.

If you go

What: Guest Chef Dinner

Where: The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary, One Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island

When: Thursday, Oct. 22

How much: $125 (not including taxes and gratuity).

For information and to make reservations: Call The Ocean Room at 768-6253.