Salamander Middleburg Introduces Sheila’s Table, an Intimate Culinary Series Centered on Storytelling, Discovery, and Connection

Hosted by resort owner Sheila Johnson, the inaugural November 15-17 experience will feature renowned Chicago chef and entrepreneur Cliff Rome.

MIDDLEBURG, VA — Salamander Middleburg, the Forbes Triple Five-Star resort in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country, has announced the launch of Sheila’s Table, an intimate new culinary series bringing celebrated chefs to the resort for conversation, connection, and, of course, food.

Hosted by resort owner Sheila Johnson, each multiday gathering will offer guests an opportunity to engage with chefs and learn more about the experiences that have shaped their cooking. Chef Cliff Rome, who leads the restaurant at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center and is the owner of Peach’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, will be the first featured chef from November 15 to 17.

“There is something special about gathering around food, sharing experiences, and forming lasting connections,” says Johnson, who is founder and CEO of the Salamander Collection. “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.”

Attendance will be limited for each gathering, creating the opportunity for guests to closely engage with one another, the visiting chef, Johnson, and Salamander’s culinary team. Each event will showcase a variety of culinary, educational, and social experiences, including intimate fireside conversations, hands-on cooking experiences in the Cooking Studio, tastings and cocktails, leisure time at the resort, and multicourse chef-led meals at Salamander’s Forbes Five-Star Harrimans restaurant. Each edition will also support a meaningful philanthropic cause selected by the featured chef.

“It’s an honor to be the first participating chef in this engaging new series,” Rome says. “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.”

With more than 30 years of experience spanning Chicago, Europe, and luxury yachting, Rome has built a career around food as both a craft and a vehicle for connection and opportunity. Through Rome’s Joy Companies and initiatives including Mise en Place, a culinary and hospitality training program for youth, his work extends beyond the kitchen to education, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Sheila’s Table culinary offerings will highlight seasonal ingredients, incorporate products from Virginia farms, vineyards, and artisan producers, and allow each visiting chef to bring their own unique culinary style and perspective to the experience.

The Sheila’s Table with Chef Rome experience is available as an overnight package and can be booked at salamanderresort.com/sheilastable. Additional chefs will be announced in the coming months.

For additional information about Salamander Middleburg, visit salamanderresort.com or call (540) 326-4000.

Posted on: October 14, 2026