Offical Renfro Valley Press Release

When the historic Lodge Restaurant in Renfro Valley, KY opened its doors on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011 to kick off the 72nd season at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, history was made. For the first time in the Lodge Restaurants existence, an acclaimed chef has taken the reins and revealed a brand new menu and a fresh new look.

Vicki Kidd, CEO/COO of Renfro Valley Entertainment began her search for a new beginning at the Lodge Restaurant by looking in her own backyard. Chef Clifford Mullins, a native of Rockcastle County KY was named Executive Chef of the Lodge Restaurant during the off season at Renfro Valley. Chef Clifford attended Rockcastle County High School, went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky and then perfected his culinary skills at the Culinary Institute of America in Hide Park, NY. Just as any good cook from the south began, Chef Clifford first established his love for cooking by watching and carefully listening to his grandmothers preparations. Before assuming the role of Executive Chef at the Lodge Restaurant, Chef Clifford traveled throughout the United States cooking in cities from Charlotte, NC to Vail, CO. Chef Clifford's goals for the Lodge Restaurant are very simple; to use farm fresh local ingredients daily and to make the Lodge Restaurant a destination for locals and tourists from around the world to enjoy good ole southern country cooking.

Four separate menus have been established at the Lodge Restaurant for this season; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a Sunday "After-church" menu. You will find everything from simmering pot roast with all the trimmings to freshly chopped BBQ pork with Chef Clifford's very own homemade sauce to freshly prepared salads and juicy hamburgers just to name a few menu items. The Lodge Restaurant will feature a daily special and will also showcase many homemade desserts including the southern staple, bread pudding.

Many local residents and returning Renfro Valley guests will be quick to notice the change in the interior of the Lodge Restaurant. Dedicated Renfro Valley employees and volunteers put in many long hours during the winter months to bring the Lodge Restaurant back to its grandeur. You will see freshly painted walls, new décor, new tables, a new sitting area and most of all, mouth-watering smells coming from the kitchen.

The Lodge Restaurant is currently open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Thursday thru Sunday and will add Wednesday's beginning in April. In May 2011 Renfro Valley will debut a brand new event that will feature Executive Chef Clifford Mullins called "Cooking with Clifford". For only $25 dollars participants will be able attend a hands-on cooking demonstration with Chef Clifford, eat a meal in the Lodge Restaurant featuring the dish that was prepared in the cooking class and take home the recipe for that months dish along with much much more! "Cooking with Clifford" will begin May 19th with a new date every month until December. For class information and registration please contact the Renfro Valley special events department at 1-800-765-7464 or by e-mail at specialevents@renfrovalley.com

Renfro Valley Entertainment Center is located directly of interstate 75 at exit 62. For tickets and information call our toll free number at 1-800-765-7464 or online at www.renfrovalley.com "Like" us on Facebook at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and follow us on Twitter!