Last week, the Telfair Academy was transformed into a world where the mastery of flavors harmonized with the beauty of art during Telfair Museums’ “Palette to Palate” inaugural competition. 

Patrons sampled specially crafted food and drink at seven unique stations placed throughout the Rotunda and Sculpture Galleries as they enjoyed an evening with FARM Hospitality Groups’ chefs from Common Thread, FARM Bluffton, Strange Bird, Flora and Fauna, and Wildflower Café. These talented chefs and mixologists competed for first place with original dishes and drinks inspired by works of art in Telfair Museums’ collection. The winner was Daniel Aranza, Chef de Cuisine of Strange Bird, who created the Pato en Mole Blanco bite, which consisted of duck breast, white mole, pumpkin, citrus, and hibiscus. The paired painting was La toilette d’ Herminie (1906) by Henri Caro-Delvaille.  

“We are thrilled with the results of this innovative culinary competition and each chef's creativity.  Their skills transformed masterpieces of art into extraordinary dishes that delighted both the eyes and the palate. We look forward to hosting more events that are not only engaging for participants, but that also support the programs and initiatives of one of Savannah’s most beloved cultural institutions,” said Telfair Museums Director of Institutional Advancement, Rana Edgar.

FARM’s highest priority is guest service, making them amazing partners for Telfair. At each of its locations, guests are considered family, and the goal is to serve as a community restaurant that provides delicious, thoughtfully prepared food for every occasion. 

Opening in 1886, Telfair Museums is the oldest public art museum in the South and the first U.S. Museum founded by a woman. The museum features a world-class art collection in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District and encompasses three sites: the Jepson Center for the Arts, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Telfair Academy. For more information on Telfair Museums, please visit www.telfair.org.