Russell Lands On Lake Martin Announces New Executive Chef at SpringHouse

Russell Lands On Lake Martin announced today that Chef Chris Morina will take the helm as executive chef at SpringHouse restaurant, located in Russell Crossroads, town center of Russell Lands On Lake Martin. Morina will be only the second Executive Chef in SpringHouse history. After 11 years as Executive Chef, Rob McDaniel is leaving to pursue the next chapter of his culinary career and lifelong dream of opening a restaurant of his own.

Morina, a New Jersey native, traces his passion for food and cooking to time spent in his mother’s and grandmother’s kitchens. He moved to London, England, in middle school where food quickly became the pathway to explore much of Europe, having access to a wide array of cultures and cuisines.  While attending Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program, Morina worked at The Hotel at Auburn University, also spending a season working with Chef Rob McDaniel at SpringHouse.

After graduation, Morina moved to Atlanta to work for southern food icon Linton Hopkins at Restaurant Eugene. He next set his sights on the food mecca of San Francisco working at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, most notably Mourad.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Chef Chris’ caliber and talent to join our team,” said Tom Lamberth, CEO and President of Russell Lands. “He will provide valuable direction to our entire staff at SpringHouse,” Lamberth continued.

“Chef Chris’ knowledge and love of southern ingredients and foodways will add a valuable element to the restaurant,” stated Roger Holliday, Vice President of Russell Lands. “He has outstanding experience and insight, and we welcome his contributions. Chef Chris’s broad exposure through his travels gives him a vast knowledge and appreciation of ingredients and techniques from other cultures which will serve him well as he brings a modern version of southern classical cuisine to SpringHouse,” concluded Holliday.

Morina added, “I am thrilled to be a part of such a well-respected company and talented team at SpringHouse. I look forward to meeting and getting to know our guests and patrons of SpringHouse and working with all the folks at Russell Lands On Lake Martin.”