OSPREY, FL – Award-winning culinary professional James Pampinella has joined The Oaks Club as executive chef. In that role, he will develop fresh seasonal menus for residents and guests of the 750-home private golf club community south of Sarasota.
"I look forward to introducing exciting new cuisine concepts like a chocolate angel food cake with strawberries – just in time for Valentine's Day," said Pampinella.
In welcoming Pampinella, Jeff Hartigan, General Manager, said, "Chef James has extensive experience in private clubs, and a deep commitment to exceptional member service. We welcome him to our culinary team."
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Prior to The Oaks Club, Pampinella was the Executive Chef of Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park. He has worked at other elite clubs, such as John's Island Club in Vero Beach and The Highlands Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina.
Pampinella is an active member of the American Culinary Federation, and has worked and trained with the U.S. Culinary Olympic Team. He has also won multiple medals at the National Restaurant Association's culinary competitions held annually in Chicago.
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Pampinella is proud to have mentored numerous chef apprentices who have since excelled in their own careers in the culinary world. In addition, he was an instructor in ice carving at Le Cordon Blue Culinary College of Culinary Arts in Orlando.
A native of Florida, Pampinella has spent most of his life in the state. When not at the Club, he enjoys golfing, fishing and spending time with his wife Lesley and daughter Hailey.
With its location, golf amenities and social activities, The Oaks Club has been a popular location for Gulf Coast residents since 1983. The well-established gated community is fully built out, with mature trees and landscaping that create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for residents.
The Oaks Club is a private country club community developed on more than 1,000 acres situated on the east and west sides of U.S. 41 in Osprey, Florida, just 12 miles south of downtown Sarasota. Club amenities feature two championship golf courses, 40,000-square-foot Georgian-style clubhouse with three restaurants, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, pool complex, croquet, guest lodge and an active social calendar.
