THOMASTON &8212; Mama Nem&8217;s Bistro, the eatery associated with the Alabama Rural Heritage Center, now has a new chef to add to their already experienced staff. Chef Dodd Orten, originally from Greenville, Tenn. but now a resident of Linden, will have his first day with the bistro this week.

Orten also brings more than 30 years experience as a chef. He first studied at the Chicago Culinary Arts, where he graduated in 1954. He worked with the Hilton Hotel chain for 30 years in places like Istanbul, Turkey and Stockholm, Sweden. While in Sweden, he attended the Swedish Hotel School.

He returned to the states and continued to work with Hilton franchises in Daytona Beach, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Knoxville, Tenn. and Boston, Mass. One of his longest tenures as chef was with the Whitestone Country Inn in Paint Rock, Tenn., where he authored the &8220;Whitestone Cook Book,&8221; featuring all of his original recipes.

In his latest venture with Mama Nem&8217;s, Orten said he is excited.

For his debut event, Orten will be preparing a New Year&8217;s Eve feast &8212; a five-course meal. Just a few of the selections Orten is planning are roast prime rib with au jus, broiled fresh grouper steak with lemon butter and barbeque shrimp pineapple pepper kabobs.

The shrimp are pond-raised saltwater shrimp from a farm in Greene County. Orten said he plans to get as much local produce, meat, game and seafood as he can find, which fits in perfectly with the mission of the Alabama Rural Heritage Center.

As far as future plans with Mama Nem&8217;s Orten said he wants to add an omelet station to their Sunday brunch and also do frequent menu changes for their Friday and Saturday dinners.

If you would like more information on the New Year&8217;s Eve event, contact Mama Nem&8217;s at 334-627-3388.