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Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Juan Peña as Chef de Cuisine of the Reserve’s signature restaurant, COA and Gary Russell as Wine Director, who will oversee the property’s extensive wine cellar, La Cava. Both Russell and Peña bring with them a wealth of knowledge and professional training which they will use to further heighten the culinary and wine experiences available throughout the resort.

Hailing from Puerto Rico, Chef Peña has nearly two decades of culinary experience. He began his career at The Culinary Institute of Puerto Rico, while simultaneously honing his skills at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. Inspired by the French chefs he learned from while at The Ritz-Carlton, Chef Peña’s next role was in Old San Juan to serve as Executive Chef at the elegant French restaurant, Trois Cent Onze, where he remained for over a decade. From there, Chef Peña served as Chef de Cuisine at Fern Restaurant at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort where he was professionally trained by Jean Georges Vongerichten himself. Elevating his French culinary expertise even further, Chef Peña also worked under Chef Daniel Boulud at Daniel in New York before his most recent position as the Chef de Cuisine at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta.

Joining the Reserve from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Gary Russell brings nearly a decade of gourmand and hospitality experience to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Russell was first exposed to the romantic and essential relationship between food and wine at K Restaurant and Wine Bar, where the daily menu changes and a vast wine collection allowed him to explore varietals and terroirs like he never had before. Russell is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and is currently studying to become a Master Sommelier.

COA is rooted in Puerto Rico’s culinary culture and features a grill concept and carefully crafted menu showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. Home to an expansive wine cellar called La Cava, COA offers a memorable culinary experience complemented by more than 650 prestigious wine labels including RC La Tâche 1995, Château Latour 1990, Conterno Barolo Monfortino 1964 and Vega Sicilia Unico 1960. Chef Peña is looking forward to infusing his classic culinary training with his passion for the landscape and culture of Puerto Rico into COA’s signature menu offerings,  while Russell is excited to bring even more labels to the already expansive collection and work alongside Chef Peña to develop a seamless wine pairing menu as well as tasting experiences for guests.

“The Reserve is honored to welcome Chef Peña and Gary.” said George Sotelo, General Manager of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “Both of these gentlemen are extremely talented, bringing not only impressive backgrounds and experience but great passion for their respective crafts. We are confident they will provide a memorable dining experience for our guests.”

COA welcomes guests for breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. COA Bar is available Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, featuring live entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. La Cava will be offering tastings and wine focused experiences to guests on an ongoing basis.

Reservations at COA can be made by phone at +1 (787) 278-7217 or through Open Table. More information about Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve can be found at www.doradobeachreserve.com or by phone at +1 (787) 626-1100.