Marriott Shoals Dines With Friends of James Beard

FLORENCE, AL--(Marketwire - Sep 18, 2012) - Head Chef Joshua Quick has added a new title to his role at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa -- philanthropist. Along with Einar Gudmundsson, Ryan Matthews, and Wine Director Kristy Bevis, Quick is hosting the "Friends of James Beard" benefit dinner at the hotel's on-site restaurant, 360 Grille.

On Saturday, September 15, 2012, the exciting dinner to benefit the University of North Alabama's culinary fund and James Beard Foundation programs went off without a hitch. The menu at this popular hotel in Florence, Alabama featured local favorites and culinary classics, including Smoked Alabama Catfish Salad, Seared Beef Heart and Braised Beef Tongue Brunswick Stew with Sweet Corn and Field Peas, Rabbit Sausages, and Butternut Squash Tarte Tatin with Apple Chutney, Spiced Honey Caramel, and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta.

The price for the "Friends of James Beard" benefit dinner was $100 for foundation members, and $130 for the general public.

A national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City, the James Beard Foundation offers a variety of events designed to educate, inspire, entertain, and foster an appreciation of American cuisine. These programs include educational initiatives, food industry awards, an annual national food conference, Leadership Awards program, culinary scholarships, and publications.

Overlooking the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama, and inviting guests to experience a new level of refinement and charm, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa has been consistently ranked among the 10 best Marriott properties each year. The epitome of Southern charm and hospitality, the hotel and spa sit luxuriously at the intersection of conservative elegance and the beauty of nature. Calling this property unique among Muscle Shoals, AL hotels would be an understatement.

This Florence, Alabama, lodging also offers Robert Trent Jones golf packages at two nearby championship Jones Golf Trail courses that offer a challenge, yet attract players of all skill levels. In addition, the Marriott Shoals Hotel's 6,000-square-foot European spa allows guests to refresh their body, mind and spirit, delivering the pinnacle of rejuvenation. The hotel also features indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a whirlpool and fitness room.

About the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa

For a unique Muscle Shoals vacation, this AAA Four Diamond hotel's accommodations offer private balconies with picturesque views of the Tennessee River. The Marriott features 192 guest rooms and 7 suites on six floors with modern, upgraded amenities. In addition, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa offers 30,000 sq. ft. of elegant space accommodating up to 1,200 guests available at our Muscle Shoals, AL hotel's banquet facilities.