SYLVA, N.C. – Balsam Mountain Preserve, a premier resort-style private residential community nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, welcomes Kirk Fiore as its new club executive chef.
Fiore, who most recently served as the executive chef at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in North Carolina, brings over 25 years of leadership and creativity to the culinary team. During his tenure at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Fiore led operations for more than 600 members and oversaw a 14-person kitchen staff. He is known for an approach to food guided by a philosophy he calls “thoughtfully refined home cooking,” creating approachable, comforting dishes elevated by precise technique, seasonal ingredients and heartfelt presentation.
Before his time at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Fiore spent eight years as executive chef at The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, overseeing the Lioncrest and Deerpark restaurants, as well as Biltmore Catering. His distinguished background in hospitality also includes leading culinary programs at AAA Four Diamond-rated properties, including the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in New York, and The Essex Resort and Spa in Vermont. Additionally, Fiore co-founded SugarSnap, LLC, a restaurant and catering company in Burlington, Vt., and served as a chef instructor at the New England Culinary Institute.
“I am truly delighted to work alongside Kirk once again,” says Gayle Starke, general manager of Balsam Mountain Preserve. “We achieved great success together in our previous collaboration, and I’ve seen firsthand his ability to connect with members, inspire his team and deliver exceptional and consistent culinary experiences. I know he will bring that same excellence, creativity and passion to Balsam Mountain Preserve.”
Fiore’s culinary leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of knowing and serving his audience, a skill demonstrated throughout his career in the private club world.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join and lead the culinary team here at Balsam Mountain Preserve as we elevate the member experience,” Fiore says. “What excites me most is getting to know the members personally and crafting dining experiences that reflect their individual tastes and our shared sense of place. Balsam Mountain Preserve is such a special place, and I’m genuinely excited for what lies ahead.”
A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Fiore’s passion for food began in his childhood home, surrounded by the flavors and traditions of a large Italian family. He and his wife Katie, also a professional chef, were drawn to the Balsam Mountain Preserve community as recent empty nesters, with both their son and daughter currently attending Appalachian State University.
For more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve, please visit www.balsammountainpreserve.com.
ABOUT BALSAM MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
Nestled between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, Balsam Mountain Preserve is one of America’s most unique and sought-after mountain communities. The 4,400-acre enclave located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains opened in 2004, anchored by a thrilling Arnold Palmer Signature Course that has been heralded as America’s best mountain course.
Balsam Mountain Preserve offers luxury living in an authentic mountain environment. Its diverse mix of real estate includes luxury estates, homesteads and village homes, as well as rustic-elegant cabin and cottage fractionals. Of the 4,400 acres, 3,200 acres are safeguarded in a permanent land trust to protect the natural mountain habitat and provide an expansive natural playground for residents and their families. Plans call for 354 homes to be created within the community, which rises to 5,400 feet and offers stunning mountain views. All residences adhere to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines for outdoor lighting, which fosters privacy and stargazing.
More than 40 miles of private hiking and equestrian trails provide symmetry between work, play, indulgence, health and wellness. The property’s elevation averages 3,500 feet above sea level, which promotes outdoor recreation in a cooler environment. In addition to the golf course, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers extensive equestrian facilities. Other community highlights include a noteworthy culinary program featuring the Summit House restaurant, Mine Tavern and new Boarding House Marketplace, private campsites, a Nature Center, more than 40 miles of heritage trout streams that offer some of the best fly fishing in North America, historical gathering sites, the Ruby Valley Fitness & Wellness Pavilion, tennis and pool facilities, spa services, and much more.
