HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS — Mission Resort + Club Food & Beverage Director David Mudge joined the team at Howey-in-the-Hills' historic Mediterranean-revival mecca earlier this year and has expressed enthusiasm about bringing his experience and ideas to its El Conquistador, La Hacienda, La Margarita and and Nicker's dining rooms .
Mudge says he's particularly excited about the resort's upcoming Mother's Day spread.
"We're thrilled to present our annual Mother's Day Brunch Buffet experience at Mission Resort this May," Mudge told the Daily Commercial. "It's a dining experience that has been thoughtfully curated for the holiday, and our entire team looks forward to celebrating the extraordinary women who visit our resort."
On Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, the Mission Resort + Club will present its annual Mother’s Day Grand Brunch Buffet. Guests can raise a toast to the most cherished women in their lives with a themed MOMosa , a cocktail crafted for mothers featuring hibiscus syrup, lemonade, champagne and a sprinkle of luster dust.
Savory entrees include salmon and baked brie en croute and Springer Mountain buttermilk chicken and waffles will sidle up with the "Grand Seafood Display" and more.
Mission Resort + Club , an MMI Hospitality Group property, hired Mudge, a seasoned professional with more than three decades of culinary experience, as its new food and beverage director in February.
The seasoned professional has both front and back-of-house operations across restaurants, banquet facilities and resorts.
"Mudge’s appointment brings a welcomed fresh perspective to the historic property’s four culinary outlets, as well as wedding, meeting and special event catering amid a series of enhancements following the resort’s acquisition by MMI Hospitality Group in early 2023," a press release said.
Most recently, Mudge served as executive chef for Sodexo at Waterman Village Retirement Community in Mount Dora, where he supervised all aspects of food production and employee training, and assisted with menu planning and costing. His team received the 2020 Florida Assisted Living Association's Culinary Creation Award.
"What I bring to the table to promote positive change at Mission Resort is a commitment to working more collaboratively with local vendors," Mudge professed.
"Our refreshed culinary program will be inspired by the abundance of flavors and fresh ingredients offered to us right here in Central Florida," he said. "I’m excited to take advantage of the fresh seafood made available by the Florida coasts. Further, I believe it’s essential that our team pays attention to what’s ‘trending’ in the industry, from food garnishes to the vessels we use to present a dish."
Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Florida’s Lake County in the town of Howey-in-the-Hills, 35 minutes northwest of Orlando, Mission Resort + Club goes back to 1917 and features 176 guestrooms, suites and villas, two championship golf courses, four restaurants, two lounges and poolside bar.
How will he balance tradition with contemporary in dining?
"I believe the middle ground between traditional and contemporary fare can be found in offering comfort foods with a twist," Mudge said. "Our program demonstrates innovation geared toward the modern diner while staying true to the classics our resort guests have enjoyed throughout the years. For example, taking meatloaf, a traditional, widely loved dish, and stuffing it with mashed potatoes and vegetables instead of separately plating these ingredients is a prime example of this balance between contemporary and traditional styles."
A flashback to earlier years: Mission Resort links ranked second best in nation in 2016
In 2023, the Mission Resort was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The time-honored Lake County resort has planned special events for the upcoming year.
"In June, we will be hosting a whiskey & bourbon tasting with hand-rolled cigars," Mudge effused, "and we will be continuing with our beloved holiday buffets for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Stay tuned for additional themed dinners and dining experiences as they come to fruition."
Mother's Day Brunch costs $68 per adult and $30 per child, 5-12, plus service charge and tax; free for children 4 and younger. Reservations can be booked by calling 352-324-3930.
For more information, visit missionresortandclub.com or call 352-324-3101.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: David Mudge brings experience and ideas to Mission Resort's dining rooms
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