Legendary Partners of Atlanta Names Classically-Trained Culinary Star for The Woodruff Arts Center

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary Partners of Atlanta, the newly-selected culinary service partner to The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta and a collaboration between A Legendary Event, Atlanta's foremost special events firm, and Centerplate, the leading hospitality provider to North America's premier entertainment venues including the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Progress Energy Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, announced today that Gary Mennie has joined The Woodruff Arts Center as Executive Chef.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, the award-winning Chef Mennie brings classical French training, a contemporary culinary flair, and a passion for local ingredients to his new role. He trained under French master chefs at Maxime's of New York and West Hollywood's five-star legend, L'Orangerie, before joining the kitchen at Spago. Among the youngest chefs to achieve Mobil Four Star Status -- during his ten-year tenure at Atlanta's celebrated restaurant, Canoe -- Mennie has established a reputation for translating local farm-to-table concepts into upscale and elegant cuisine. His resume in Atlanta also includes opening Taurus and serving as the Executive Chef at The Livingston Restaurant at the Georgian Terrace Hotel.

Mennie's introduction to The Woodruff Arts Center coincides with the prestigious venue's strategy for enhancing visitor services at the one-of-a-kind facility. Joe Bankoff, President and CEO of The Woodruff Arts Center, said, "We are very excited to welcome Chef Gary Mennie to our campus as he has a proven track record of delivering extraordinary experiences for his guests' enjoyment. We are confident he will bring the same level of excellence to all culinary endeavors at the Woodruff."

Legendary Partners of Atlanta is scheduled to begin services at The Woodruff Arts Center in the fall of 2010. Among its plans are a refreshed restaurant concept, enhancements to public food offerings, and offering an array of special event catering choices.  

Legendary Partners of Atlanta's Tony Conway said, "We are thrilled to welcome Chef Gary, who has demonstrated a passion for bringing the finest cuisine to our wonderful city. He will bring a fresh new dining experience to this landmark facility and we are looking forward to welcoming him along with all of Atlanta to The Woodruff Arts Center."

Serving twenty-one marquee performing arts centers through-out North America, Centerplate is known for its compelling food and beverage programs and grand-scale logistics. "Chef Gary brings a superlative level of food and beverage expertise and passion to The Woodruff Arts Center. We are extremely excited to add Chef Mennie to this world-class facility," said Des Hague, President and CEO of Centerplate.

About the Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the premier cultural centers in the nation, a unique institutional model where arts institutions unite to form a collaborative and inspirational environment for the arts and education.  The Woodruff Arts Center houses four renowned arts organizations - Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, and Young Audiences.  In addition to its role as a cultural beacon and hub of the Southeast, the Center serves as a critical economic, educational, and social catalyst for Atlanta and the region.  For more information, visit www.woodruffcenter.org.

About A Legendary Event

Tony Conway, CMP, formed A Legendary Event in 1997, which has grown into a multi-million full-service event enterprise, handling more than 2,500 events a year and is located in Atlanta, Georgia. With a client list of Who's Who in the corporate, social and charity markets, A Legendary Event has gained the confidence of the city's most celebrated events and is one of the fastest-growing, event planning and off-premise catering companies in the Southeast.  A leader in the hospitality industry, A Legendary Event was awarded the coveted 2010 Spotlight Award for Catering Company of the Year by the International Catering Association.  For more information, visit www.alegendaryevent.com.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America -- including 21 performing arts centers. Centerplate has provided services to Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 12 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Legendary Partners of Atlanta