The Ritz-carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Appoints New Chef For Gaby's By The Lake Chef Jason Cates To Spearhead Resort's Casual Dining Destination

The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation - Georgia's AAA Five Diamond luxury retreat located on a 10,000-acre golf and lakefront community- has named Jason Cates as the new executive chef of Gaby's by the Lake.

Offering sweeping views of Lake Oconee from its poolside setting, Gaby's by the Lake is the 251-room property's casual dining venue serving lunch, dinner and handcrafted cocktails throughout the day. Cates takes charge of the contemporary American menu of regional favorites, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and grilled selections.

"With years of experience in upscale casual dining, Cates is well-poised to lead the culinary team at Gaby's by the Lake and continue the excellent level of hospitality that we are known for at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge," says Ralph Vick, The Lodge's general manager.

Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, he was executive chef for Taste Buds Management in New Orleans, where he helped the company recover from Hurricane Katrina and expand its Zea Rotisserie & Grill and Semolina restaurant concepts from three locations to 13 locations.

He previously worked for Bravo Restaurant Group as executive chef based in Indianapolis. During his tenure there, he opened BRAVO! Cucina Italiana restaurant concepts in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Ohio; and also served as corporate chef in charge of training for the Northwest.

A native of Kansas City, Mo., he began his culinary career at the age of 14 working in his mother's restaurant. He attended the culinary arts program at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan., and became a sous chef at Stu Stram's Union Caf� in Kansas City. He went on to cook at other Kansas City restaurants, including Frankie's on the Plaza, Raoul's Velvet Room and Caf� New Yorker.

About The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
An AAA Five Diamond resort ranked Number Five among Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Golf Resorts", The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is known for its meticulous Ritz-Carlton service enhanced by an abundance of gracious Southern hospitality. Situated within Reynolds Plantation on 35 acres of stunning shoreline property on Georgia's Lake Oconee, the resort features access to 99 holes of championship golf designed by Bob Cupp, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Rees Jones. Additional highlights include: 251 beautifully appointed rooms with resort and lake views; a 26,000-square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center; more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space; fine low-country cuisine at Georgia's Bistro, updated classics at Linger Longer Steakhouse, casual dining at Gaby's by the Lake and lakefront Chiminea dining; and outdoor activities ranging from fishing, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding and wakeboarding to horseback riding and hiking.