ERNA'S ELDERBERRY HOUSE

CHEF JAMES OVERBAUGH

Chef James Overbaugh spent childhood summers in the vast gardens of his grandfather, a horticulturist, who believed that vegetables are not fresh unless picked just before reaching the table. Today, Chef Overbaugh brings his passion for the freshest ingredients, together with an approach to cooking that draws on his travel experience, culinary curiosity and nearly twenty-two years of manning the stoves.

Chef Overbaugh's career began with an after school job in a local restaurant kitchen at the age of 15. He knew he found his calling. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Upon receipt of his diploma in 1989, he remained in Massachusetts to continue his training under three European chefs. By 1992, he was awarded the position of Executive Sous Chef of the Stonehedge Inn in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, and in November of that year he became the property's youngest ever Executive Chef. Three years later, he was invited to join a renowned California restaurant, Erna's Elderberry House, on the property of the Relais & Châteaux, ExxonMobil 5-Star hotel, Château du Sureau in Oakhurst. Under his direction, the Elderberry House Kitchen maintained the AAA 5-Diamond award and was honored by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Chef Overbaugh's food was quoted "absolutely amazing" and its reader poll gave his kitchen a perfect score of 100 in the January 2001 edition. With over 1000 hours of instruction under his toque, Chef Overbaugh is also an accomplished teacher. In February 2001, the Travel Channel's "Best of" series featured the classes he teaches at the Elderberry House as the seventh best way to live out your fantasy vacation.

In April 2001, Chef Overbaugh accepted the offer of Executive Chef for New Orleans' 324 room Windsor Court Hotel. Under his leadership the hotel's famous Grill Room Restaurant received many accolades, including New Orleans' Where Magazine's designation as the city's best fine dining restaurant. Chef Overbaugh has twice been featured chef at the James Beard House in New York.

2003 turned out to be a year of destiny for both James Overbaugh and Elderberry House owner Erna Kubin-Clanin.  After two years at the Windsor Court Hotel, Chef James Overbaugh returned to the Estate in charge of the restaurant which is now Relais Gourmand designated.  Karsten Hart, one of Chef James' Sous Chefs from New Orleans also joined the team and in 2006 became the Estate's Executive Chef.  Together they create the dishes of the nightly changing six-course menu which burst with flavor and creativity, much to the delight of the guests and owner Erna Kubin-Clanin.