The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, the only St. Regis launching in the U.S. this year and the largest development on the island in over 50 years, introduces two leadership appointments to the culinary team, Food & Beverage Director, Melih Eker, and Executive Chef, Alberto Taboada. Together, they will helm the resort’s seven distinctive dining venues, including:
- The St. Regis Bar: The resort’s living room, an inviting space where guests can gather for drinks and enjoy live piano music and other performances.
- CW Prime: The hotel’s signature restaurant, featuring expertly prepared steakhouse classics artistically crafted in our Jasper charcoal grill. In The Spirit Room, a private cocktail speakeasy experience with exclusive on demand service to CW Prime’s mixologist via a secret call button will be available by reservation only.
- Riva: Coastal Italian dining with an interactive and exclusive pasta bar where Chef will prepare fresh pasta counter side.
- Aura: A sophisticated interpretation of an open-air pool grill with Latin American fare.
- Oshen: The rooftop lounge with picturesque views of the water, will be exclusively open to hotel guests serving elevated cocktails and seafood-focused small plates and dishes with a Japanese and Peruvian influence.
- Monkey Bar: An ode to a beloved local destination, the Monkey Bar serves elevated tiki drinks, crafted to perfection, and culinary creations. Its signature offering is the “Murf & Turf”, a Wagyu Sausage and lobster sandwich inspired by the “Murf Dog”.
- Caroline’s: For breakfast or all-day refreshments, the hotel’s cafe will offer a mix of health forward specialty drinks and dishes as well as coffee, espresso, tea and homemade pastry indulgences.
“As we gear up for the grand opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort this summer, our mission is clear: to curate an unparalleled food and beverage experience that embodies the essence of St. Regis craftsmanship and introduces new exquisite offerings to not only guests but also the Sarasota community,” stated Winfred van Workum, General Manager. “With culinary leaders like Chef Alberto Taboada and Melih Eker at the helm, we pledge to deliver unforgettable moments, epicurean innovations, and top-notch service to ensure our guests an extraordinary journey.”
Alberto Taboada, Executive Chef
Executive Chef Alberto Taboada brings extensive experience and a distinguished culinary career to The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort team. His journey began as Restaurant Chef at the Marriott Seaview Resort & Spa and includes leadership roles at Marriott Louisville Downtown and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. Notably, at JW Marriott Orlando, Chef Taboada oversaw culinary operations for a 900-room luxury resort, emphasizing concept development, leadership, and guest service excellence. His dynamic leadership and adept team-building skills consistently deliver remarkable dining experiences, reflecting his passion for culinary innovation and commitment to excellence.
Melih Eker, Food & Beverage Director
Food & Beverage Director Melih Eker brings a robust background in overseeing expansive restaurant and event operations to the team. Eker most recently excelled as Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, where he managed outlet operations, orchestrated special events, and consistently achieved substantial revenue goals. His extensive experience in enhancing profitability and ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction perfectly complements the resort’s dedication to providing unparalleled dining experiences and innovative culinary offerings.
Together, Executive Chef Alberto Taboada and Food & Beverage Director Melih Eker will lead the resort’s culinary program, positioning St. Regis Longboat Key as the premier dining destination in the region.
