Rob Dalzell Appointed As Executive Chef For Catalina Island's New Avalon Grille

Santa Catalina Island Company has chosen Rob Dalzell as Executive Chef of the Avalon Grille, slated to open its doors in late May 2010. Dalzell brings with him a wealth of culinary skills honed at a number of restaurants, including some of Napa Valley's most renowned dining establishments.

At the Avalon Grille, Dalzell has created a new menu of Classic American regional dishes with a seasonal approach. Diners will savor such items as Fried Green Beans with Tarragon Aioli and Toasted Garlic; Grilled Asparagus with Savory Parmesan Pudding and Black Olive Vinaigrette; Grilled Hanger Steak with Green Beans, Potatoes, and Blue Cheese Peppercorn Sauce; Pork Porterhouse with Black Pepper Grits, Redeye Gravy, and Pickled Cabbage; and Grilled Halibut with Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickled Onions, Basil, and Capers. As a grand finale, diners can choose from desserts such as the Deep Fried Oreo Sundae with Chocolate Caramel and House Made Marshmallows.

"I'm excited to be opening the Avalon Grille and to be back in California," said Dalzell. "California chefs were some of the first in the country to incorporate fresh, seasonal items into their cuisine, an approach I intend to take at the new restaurant."

Prior to becoming Executive Chef at The Avalon Grille, Dalzell was the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director for the Eponine Restaurant Group in his home state of Missouri where he opened and operated eateries for the group. Before joining Eponine Restaurant Group, Dalzell was Chef de Cuisine at Turtle Bay Resort's 21 Degrees four-star restaurant on the North Shore of Oahu and Special Events Banquet Chef at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Dalzell began his culinary career in the wine country, attending the Napa Valley Cooking School. The next five years he laid his culinary foundation at landmark Napa Valley restaurants such as Tra Vigne under Chef Carmen Quagliata. He also studied under Chef Ken Frank, Executive Chef of La Toque, which has earned the Prestigious Michelin Star and was named one of "America's Best Restaurants."

For more information on the Avalon Grille, visit www.discovercatalina.com.