When Lake Tulloch Resorts chef and new manager, Steve Almadova, presented to the Giambi family, owners of the resort, a community oriented picture for the future of the resort, the owners gave him a thumbs up and requested that he start immediately.
While the undertaking was just short of a complete business facelift and remodel, Steve and his support staff, Danna Goatley and Michael were ready for the challenge. “We’ve been listening to the community (and ) I think we can turn this into a positive gathering place. There is a lot of potential at this resort…my goal is to become star rated” said Steve.
Steve has worked on and off for the resort for the last 7 years in multiple capacities, yet this will be the first time Steve has taken the reins. Steve brings to the table 10 years of executive chef experience as well as a lifetime of family restaurant experience; his parents owned Mrs. B’s Frosty prior to the construction of the Hwy 4 by-pass. He has worked at Michelangelo’s in Jamestown and Murphy’s Hotel where some of his specialty recipes are still in use and well loved, like his Chicken Almadova; chicken breast stuffed with sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, other secret ingredients and covered in a parmesan sauce. In his home kitchen his passion leans towards Creole and Cajun cooking.
The hopes for the resort from this new and energetic team is that it “become a place where people can come by on a regular basis…enjoy a nice meal with friends and family…relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake front and the newly tended grounds.” With exception to one last concert/party that had been scheduled for Halloween weekend Danna says that they “are trying to get away from the concert image.” Though these events bring in much needed funds to help run the resort, they believe that if they continue their efforts promoting community events such as their Monday night football buffets, car shows, high school formals, Thanksgiving Day Feast, and a New Years Eve Party catering to the forty something on up crowd, that they will eventually be able to shed the party place image and return the resort to the family fun place to be.
The rooms have all been repainted, plumbing repaired, new televisions and cable installed as well as updating some furniture. There are two new tv screens in the lounge for better viewing of the games and a full security system to protect visitors. The lawn that once was spotty and brown is now lush and green as is the surrounding landscaping. A fire pit has been added at the beach area for relaxing evenings by an open fire. The pool is being resurfaced next week and the lounge area is set up for wi-fi. “This is just the beginning” said Steve explaining he wants to be able to hold any event large or small that the community would like, from weddings to church retreats, from high school reunions and corporate meetings to fun family get-togethers, carnivals, craft faires and community organization meetings. The resort is hoping to work out ski-package deals with the ski resorts and are open to community suggestions and would like your input. If you have a suggestion for the new and improved resort please call the events coordinator Danna at 785-8200.
The resort is currently open for dining Fri-Sun 7 am – 8 pm, and Monday (football season) 5-7 pm.
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