Middleburg, Virginia, October 6, 2008 � The Goodstone Inn & Estate has named Tarver King executive chef for the luxurious property.  An acclaimed chef originally from Virginia Beach, Tarver King has trained with the world�s top chefs and cooked for the revered Julia Child.  Simon Smith, general manager for The Goodstone Inn & Estate, made the announcement.  

"I am thrilled to welcome Tarver back to Virginia and to The Goodstone Inn's culinary team," said Mr. Smith.  "He is an immensely accomplished chef who has cooked at some of the very best restaurants in the United States and Europe.  He brings significant talent and culinary expertise to our property and to our restaurant, Hilltoppers."

Embracing his role in furthering sustainable agriculture, Chef King's cuisine at Hilltoppers will embody the seasonal bounty of the fields and farm of The Goodstone Inn & Estate.  His culinary creations are expected to titillate while providing The Goodstone�s guests with an experience that brings them closer to the land, which has provided the ingredients for their meal.

Chef King's approach to creating meals at Hilltoppers will be to involve the guest in a pure and honest exploration of the ingredients and flavors found within the estate.  King explains, "I want to bring what is growing outside on The Goodstone's farm inside to Hilltoppers' Table, creating a seamless sensory experience for our guests."

Tarver King brings stellar career experience to The Goodstone Inn & Estate.  He was most recently executive chef at the Five Star, Five Diamond Woodlands Resort & Inn of Summerville, South Carolina.  He has also previously served as chef de partie at the famed Inn at Little Washington, the Five Star, Five Diamond property located in Washington, Virginia, where he was mentored by renowned chef Patrick O'Connell.  

Chef King has cooked at Roy Yamaguchi and Le Bec Fin, both of Philadelphia, and under the acclaimed Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, the Three Michelin Star restaurant located in Napa Valley.  In Europe, he has cooked for The Fat Duck, at the time the world's most revered restaurant, and the Three Michelin Star Waterside Inn, both of Bray, England.  King began his remarkable culinary career in his hometown of Virginia Beach, working with the Three Michelin Star chef Alain Jackmin at Le Chambord.  

Tarver King started cooking at the age of 15, inspired by his grandmother's culinary passions and by the late Julia Child, for whom he later had the privilege to cook.  Mr. King has been hailed as a "Chef to Watch" by both The Wine Spectator magazine and Esquire.  He and his family are relocating to Middleburg.

The Goodstone Inn & Estate, a luxurious country retreat in Middleburg, Virginia, is situated in the heart of the state's renowned Hunt & Wine Country, less than an hour from Washington, DC and 40 minutes from Dulles International Airport www.metwashairports.com/Dulles.  The historic property features five star-quality lodging in five distinctive dwellings, including the main building - the elegantly converted Carriage House, The Dutch Cottage, The Manor House, The French Farm Cottage and The Spring House. 

Hilltoppers restaurant at The Goodstone Inn & Estate provides superb cuisine and attentive service.  An impressive wine cellar dining room features an extensive selection of vintages from Virginia and around the world, and a large, exquisite Virginia Hunt Scene Mural commissioned by The Goodstone Inn.  The scene captures an equestrian moment of the storied Annual Middleburg Hunt, which takes place on the estate.

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the premises. Recreational opportunities abound, including a unique outdoor pool nestled within the Wisteria and ivy-covered ruins of the estate's original early 19th century mansion, an all-season Jacuzzi, walking and hiking trails, mountain biking, stables for boarding guest' horses, canoeing, in-room spa treatments, and superb shopping, antiquing, and dining opportunities in beautiful and historic Middleburg, Virginia.  

In season, noted equestrian activities include the Middleburg Spring Race Meet at nearby Glenwood Park (April), the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup at Great Meadow (Spring and Fall), and the annual Middleburg Hunt (December), which proceeds directly through the estate.

The Goodstone Inn offers the charming ambiance of an 18th century country estate with the convenience, luxury and service expected by 21st century guests.  For more information on The Goodstone Inn & Estate, Hilltoppers Restaurant, or to make reservations, please call 540-687-4645 / 877- 219-4663 or visit www.Goodstone.com.  

The Goodstone Inn & Estate is recommended by the Conde Nast Johansens guides www.johansens.com, and is a member of the prestigious Andrew Harper Q Club www.andrewharper.com and "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" collection www.slh.com. 

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications
201-758-2864  /  201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]