Food has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s around a family dinner table or over a multi-course meal prepared by a celebrated chef. At Salamander Middleburg, the luxury resort in Virginia’s horse and wine country, that idea is the inspiration behind a new culinary series hosted by founder and CEO of Salamander Collection Sheila Johnson.
Called Sheila’s Table, the series will invite acclaimed chefs to the resort for multi-day gatherings that go beyond traditional fine dining. Guests will have opportunities to cook alongside visiting chefs, hear the stories behind their careers, sample their culinary creations, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts in an intimate setting.
The inaugural event, scheduled for November 15–17, 2026, will feature Chef Cliff Rome, a Chicago restaurateur and culinary entrepreneur who leads the restaurant at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. Rome also owns Peach’s Restaurant in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood.
“There is something special about gathering around food, sharing experiences and forming lasting connections,” said Johnson via press release. “Through this series, we aim to create a personal experience that offers more than exceptional dining. We want to bring people together in a setting that showcases diverse voices, sparks inspiration and fosters genuine connection.”
Unlike a typical guest-chef dinner, Sheila’s Table is designed as a multi-day experience, giving participants opportunities to interact with the visiting chef in different settings. Attendance will be limited, allowing guests to engage directly with Johnson, the featured chef, and Salamander’s culinary team. The itinerary will include fireside conversations, hands-on cooking sessions in the resort’s Cooking Studio, curated tastings, cocktails, and multi-course meals at Harrimans, Salamander’s Forbes Five-Star restaurant. Between scheduled activities, guests can enjoy the resort’s amenities, from its spa and equestrian experiences to exploring the surrounding countryside.
The culinary offerings will emphasize seasonal ingredients, with products sourced from Virginia farms, vineyards, and artisan producers. Visiting chefs will also be free to introduce dishes and techniques that reflect their own culinary backgrounds. The series will also incorporate philanthropy, with each gathering supporting a charitable cause selected by the featured chef.
Meet the First Featured Chef: Cliff Rome
Rome brings more than three decades of culinary experience, spanning Chicago restaurants, European kitchens, and luxury yachting. Through Rome’s Joy Companies, he has developed culinary businesses and initiatives focused on economic opportunity and community engagement. Among those initiatives is Mise en Place, a culinary and hospitality training program that introduces young people to careers in the industry. Rome’s connection to Chicago’s South Side is particularly significant. His restaurant, Peach’s, operates in Bronzeville, a neighborhood renowned for its African American culture. His involvement with the Obama Presidential Center places him at another institution closely connected to the city’s history and future.
“It’s an honor to be the first participating chef in this engaging new series,” Rome shares via press release. “Sheila and Salamander have values that closely align with my own, and I look forward to sharing my culinary influences and enjoying the connection between food, hospitality and community.”
A Culinary Getaway in Virginia Wine Country
Located in Middleburg, approximately an hour from Washington, D.C., Salamander Middleburg occupies 340 acres of Virginia countryside, surrounded by horse farms, vineyards, and the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Triple Forbes Five-Star resort is known for its luxury accommodations, equestrian facilities, spa, and dining experiences. Its location also makes it an appealing destination for travelers interested in exploring Virginia’s growing wine and culinary scene.
Sheila’s Table adds another reason to plan a getaway, particularly for travelers who want to learn directly from chefs rather than simply enjoy their food. The inaugural Sheila’s Table with Chef Cliff Rome will take place November 15–17, 2026, at Salamander Middleburg. The experience is available as an overnight package, with reservations through the resort’s website. Attendance is limited, and additional participating chefs will be announced in the coming months.
For reservations and additional information: SalamanderResort.com/SheilasTable
