By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Would-be chefs have endless opportunities at the newest addition to the amenities available at Wind Creek Casino and Restore near Atmore.
Wind Creek is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Celebrity Chef Carla Hall helped kick off the grand opening of The Cooking Studio Friday for area dignitaries and media. Hall is best known for achieving finalist status on Bravo television network’s “Top Chef: New York” program recently.
Led by head chef of the casino, Stafford DeCambra, the Cooking Studio will offer classes and demonstrations that can create a near-chef from an ordinary cook.
DeCambra said resort chefs will coordinate classes and demonstrations for the public beginning mid-month and will help typical cooks learn techniques to create elegance from simplicity.
The Cooking Studio will offer classes Thursday through Sunday each week and demonstrations each day as well.
DeCambra said demonstration classes will be offered featuring the work of staff chefs Louis Chatham, Collin Pinson and pastry chef Gary McGahan.
The Cooking Studio is one of the newest amenities to be added at Wind Creek and according to Creek Indian Enterprise president, Tim Martin.
Martin said the studio has created an additional 40 jobs for area employees, bringing the total employment of the Poarch Creek Indians to about 2,200 people.
Martin expressed his pleasure concerning the growth of the resort calling the studio an experience destination.
PCI Tribal Council secretary David Gehman said being a part of the opening of The Cooking Studio was an honor because of what it means to the community.
DeCambra said there are no special skills needed to be involved in the classes at the studio, only a desire to cook.
For details and class schedules, contact Wind Creek Casino and Resort at 1-866-WIND-360 or visit the Web site at www.windcreekcasino.com.