Executive chef at Matt's Fish Camp in Bethany Beach has the Master’s touch
It takes a village to satisfy the appetites at the Master's Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Just ask Tobias "Toby" Adams, executive chef at Matt's Fish Camp in Bethany Beach, who has worked at the event, held each April, since 1989.
During the tournament, Adams is a team member with Masters Accommodation Inc., which coordinates events for corporate sponsors and some of the professional golfers. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson have been clients. A single chef might be responsible for parties ranging from four to 70-plus people. For the most recent event, Adams was assigned to EDF Trading, a sponsor.
"We do sit-down meals, family-style breakfasts, box lunches and four-course dinners, in addition to hors d'oeuvres, freshly made bread and desserts," said Adams.
After making breakfast, Adams headed to a nearby market to select fresh produce and proteins. Based on what appealed to him, he created the dinner menu. This year, he handled all the catering for the client with the help of one support person.
Adams is no stranger to the South. He was raised in the Carolina Low Country between Charleston and Savannah. His grandmother, a Cherokee, and grandfather owned a farm with cattle, chickens and vegetables. "They cooked what is now known as 'farm-to-table' food," he said. His other grandmother was celebrated for her skill with the seafood, game and waterfowl that his grandfather, an avid outdoorsman, brought home.
Adams, who has worked with some of Charleston's most famous chefs, moved to Bethany Beach in 2004.
"Toby's background and culinary skill are a tremendous asset at Matt's Fish Camp, which is focused on seafood," said Doug Ruley, corporate chef for SoDel Concepts, which owns the restaurant and nine others. A 10th, the second Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar, will open this June. "His knowledge of Southern cooking also benefits our restaurants; our guests love such dishes as gumbo and shrimp-and-grits. We're excited to see all that he can do."
For more information on Matt's Fish Camp in Bethany Beach, visit mattsfishcampbethany.com.
