Press Releases
Local Winery Welcomes New Chef
Santa Fe, Texas – February 9, 2011 – Haak Vineyards and Winery Adds New Chef to Growing Staff.
Chef Kim Johnson adds her culinary flair to Haak Vineyards and Winery dinner, catering and event menus. With more than 14 years culinary and catering experience, Haak is pleased to have Johnson join the team.
When it comes to pairing wine with food, Haak Vineyards and Winery knows that having an expert chef on board makes a world of difference. On January 11, Haak welcomed executive chef, Kimberley Johnson, to add her culinary flair to Haak's wine dinners, events and catering.
Johnson, originally from Miami, Florida, spent the last two years whipping up culinary creations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and prior to that she was chef and owner of Kreative Katering in Gainesville, Georgia for 11 years. Johnson has catered everything from private dinners to events with 1,000 guests.
Every great chef has a signature dish, and Johnson's favorite dish takes on a spicy, southern element. Johnson's Cajun Pasta is tossed with a Cajun-spiced sherried cream sauce, and best served with sweet and savory marinated grilled chicken or blackened shrimp.
"I love creating 'theme' menus," said Johnson. "It's all about the variety for me. I'll find inspiration in almost anything, but I get much of it from my husband, Bruce, who is also a chef. We love to 'talk food.'"
Of course, one of the most important elements of her job is pairing dishes with delicious wines to bring out subtle flavors, and the Haak Malbec is her favorite.
"We are so pleased to have Kim on board," owner Raymond Haak said. "She brings more than 14 years professional experience with her and we can't wait to see everything she has in store for Haak's evolving dinner and event menus."
In preparation for Valentine's Day, Haak will be hosting three romantic dinners at the winery on February 11th, 12th and 13th. Each night offers a different entrée and wine pairing, as well as plenty of live entertainment from local bands. For reservations, please call Kathleen Reiss at 409.925.1401 or email her at kathleen@haakwine.com.
