Meet the Chefs
John Cassimus: A Life Built Around Food
John Cassimus is a chef and outdoorsman whose culinary passion is rooted in nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. While known for scaling Zoë’s Kitchen into a national brand, his heart lies in preparing extraordinary meals from ingredients he hunts, grows, and gathers himself.
At Sawtooth Plantation, John masterfully ages wild game like deer and elk to create rich, refined flavors, and prepares everything from open-fire meats to delicate sushi with precision and soul. Alongside his partner Lexi, he grows seasonal produce and turns each harvest into unforgettable meals. Whether he’s frying his signature shrimp or slicing sashimi, John brings a deep respect for the land—and a love of feeding people—to every plate.
Miss Dot: The Heart and Soul of Southern Cooking
Leola “Miss Dot” Rogers is the heart of Southern hospitality at Sawtooth Plantation, known for her legendary fried chicken, hand-cut collard greens, and red velvet cake that has won over country stars and culinary icons alike. Raised on a farm in Russell County, Alabama, Miss Dot was cooking full meals by age eight, and she’s been feeding people with love ever since.
Her cooking is rooted in generations of tradition—simple, soulful, and always made from scratch. At Sawtooth, she grows her own vegetables, pickles and cans seasonal produce, and shares her kitchen wisdom with anyone lucky enough to learn from her. Whether you’re gathering for a family-style feast or learning to can summer tomatoes, Miss Dot delivers an authentic Southern experience that’s warm, unforgettable, and made to be shared.
Where the Land Meets the Table
At Sawtooth Plantation, food isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life.
Rooted in tradition, respect for the land, and a deep appreciation for quality ingredients, every dining experience at Sawtooth reflects the way we live: connected to the outdoors, grounded in family, and driven by a love of good food.
Culinary is a huge part of who we are. From wild game and dry-aged ribeyes cooked over an open flame, to fresh-picked salads and vegetables from the garden, to sushi nights with fish flown in from around the world—every meal is a reflection of the seasons, the land, and the people who gather around the table.
With a passion for the outdoors, sustainable sourcing, and time-honored cooking traditions, John Cassimus and Miss Dot lead the way in creating authentic, unforgettable dining experiences that feel as personal as they are delicious.
Throughout the year, Sawtooth guests are invited to take part in exclusive culinary experiences, including:
•Farm-to-Table Cooking Demonstrations: See firsthand how seasonal ingredients from the farm and field are transformed into incredible meals.
•Guest Chef Series: Enjoy unforgettable multi-course dinners prepared by celebrated chefs from across the country, paired with curated wines and craft cocktails.
•Wild Game Workshops: Get hands-on experience harvesting, butchering, and preparing wild game with guidance from expert chefs and seasoned outdoorsmen.
Whether you’re gathered around the fire in the Lodge or sitting under a blanket of stars, every meal at Sawtooth tells a story—of the land, the season, and the people who share it.
Dining At Sawtooth Plantation
At Sawtooth Plantation, our expansive culinary facilities are designed not only for gourmet dining but also as an exceptional venue for filming and creative culinary projects. Whether you’re planning to shoot a cooking show, create cooking vlogs, produce a cookbook, or capture outdoor grilling and culinary adventures, our state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor kitchens provide the perfect backdrop.
Our outdoor kitchen features pizza ovens and picturesque porches ideal for casual filming, while our spacious indoor cookhouse is equipped with modern appliances and ample space for photo shoots and video production. Sawtooth Plantation has already been featured in the acclaimed cooking show Darn Hungry for SpyPoint Cameras, as well as in dynamic photo shoots for Williams Knife Company.
If you’re looking for a world-class culinary filming space that blends Southern charm with modern amenities, inquire here to book Sawtooth Plantation for your next project.
Omakase Experience
Upon request, Sawtooth Plantation offers a one-of-a-kind omakase experience, featuring the freshest fish sourced from around the world and flown directly to our doorstep.
Prepared by sushi chefs trained in traditional Japanese techniques, this exclusive dining experience brings global flavors to the table at Sawtooth.
Custom Curated Dining Experiences
At Sawtooth, we believe every event deserves a menu as thoughtful as the occasion itself.
Guests have the opportunity to sit down with our team and personally curate menus that reflect the spirit of their gathering—whether it’s an intimate family celebration, a corporate retreat, or a weekend of sporting adventures.
From locally sourced ingredients to wild game specialties to elevated multi-course dinners, every menu is designed to be as unforgettable as the experience surrounding it.
Sample Menu
At Sawtooth Plantation, dinner is an immersive culinary journey that celebrates Southern tradition and the bounty of our land.
Begin with a refreshing seasonal garden salad, featuring locally sourced greens, heirloom tomatoes, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette. Follow with a velvety wild mushroom soup, rich in earthy flavors harvested from our very own garden. For your appetizer, savor an artfully presented plate of smoked wild game carpaccio, delicately drizzled with an aged balsamic reduction.
For the main course, choose between Miss Dot’s famous fried chicken—crisply battered and perfectly seasoned, served with traditional collard greens and savory cornbread—or a gourmet wild game entrée, such as slow-roasted deer medallions accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a robust, savory jus.
Refresh your palate with a crisp citrus sorbet before concluding the meal with a decadent homemade chocolate cake, layered with a seasonal berry compote. Each course is thoughtfully paired with premium wines and bespoke cocktails, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that encapsulates the essence of luxury, tradition, and culinary artistry at Sawtooth Plantation.
DRINKS AT SAWTOOTH PLANTATION
Beverages
At Sawtooth Plantation, our beverage selection is as refined and diverse as our culinary offerings. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of premium wines, craft spirits, and bespoke cocktails, each thoughtfully chosen to elevate any occasion.
We also offer personalized arrangements for specialty drinks tailored to your unique tastes and event requirements. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of trophy hunting or hosting an exclusive corporate retreat, every sip is crafted to complement your experience with understated elegance.
