Chef Dinner: Agave & Art

Timothy Brockmon is an accomplished executive chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. His career spans fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Capital Region, where he developed a reputation for refined technique and thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine. After relocating to Saratoga Springs in 2016, Timothy played a key role in launching Salt & Char and The Adelphi Hotel alongside renowned Chef Grey Kunz. Since 2022, he has led the culinary program at Yaddo, the premiere artist-residency program in Saratoga Springs, where he continues to craft exceptional dining experiences that support and inspire a creative community.

Gerald Akins, former bar manager of Hamlet & Ghost, distinguished himself through a rare combination of inventive precision and understated authority behind the bar. Over the course of three years leading the beverage program, he cultivated a reputation for seamlessly marrying elevated technique with a deeply intuitive, guest-centered approach—earning both critical regard and a devoted following. Now at its sister concept, Familiar Creature, Akins, and his team are redefining the modern cocktail program with a focus on impeccably crafted, batch-driven compositions that retain nuance, elegance, and a distinct point of view.

Miles Merton is a Saratoga Springs–based wine professional known for developing terroir-driven programs that spotlight small producers and distinctive regions. Currently the Wine Director at Familiar Creature, he leads an award-winning list and creates approachable, engaging experiences that connect guests to the stories behind the wine. With a background in service and education, he is committed to making wine accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable.