Our Chefs

Michael Vitelli, Executive Chef

Michael Vitelli’s passion for food started when he was a teenager. He began his culinary journey as the Prep Cook for Sadie Mays Restaurant in Jamestown, NC, going on to study Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC as well as Hospitality Management at Western Carolina University. Upon graduation, Michael went to work as Club House Manager for New Bern Golf and Country Club, but the pull of the kitchen was too strong.

He made the decision to move back to his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina, and began managing Giacomo’s Italian Market. It was there he learned the true art of making sausages, salamis, cheeses and homestyle Italian dishes.

Michael is very excited about the opportunity to work closely with local farmers, butchers, and artisans here in the NC mountains, and surrounding areas. He hopes his passion for food and local ingredients will make your dining experience at The Lodge on Lake Lure a memorable one.

 

 

Arlene Jackson, Breakfast Cook and Head of Housekeeping

Arlene began working in housekeeping at the Lodge over a decade ago. Many of our regular guests will recognize her as the breakfast cook. But to us, she is so much more.

She is one of the bakers for sweet treats and the head of our Housekeeping department.

Most mornings she can be found in the kitchen making wonderful homemade biscuits, coffee, scones, and a range of dishes from Eggs Benedict to Sausage gravy before she begins tidying the Lodge.

Her ready smile is a fixture here at the Lodge.