Media Kit: Culinary Delights

Culinary Delights
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. -- At the Don CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel -- Florida's Legendary Pink Palace since 1928 -- mystique and ambiance preserved from an earlier era are portrayed in its collection of spectacular restaurants. Guests dine in the epitome of luxury and European elegance experiencing New American specialties, watch breathtaking sunset finales while sipping tropical favorites or spend a relaxing Sunday morning feasting on an incomparable brunch with an incomparable view of the Gulf.

Gourmet extraordinaire -- Executive Chef Eric Neri -- and his mouth-watering delights serve as yet another reason to indulge in the luxurious splendor of the Don. Neri, classically trained through the American Culinary Federation, joined the Don in 1991 and oversees all culinary production.

THE MARITANA GRILLE, the signature Four Diamond restaurant at the Don, invites guests to plunge into the deep blue -- surrounded by 1,500 gallons (5,700 L) of salt water aquariums and indigenous Florida fish. Indulge in New American temptations ranging from prosciutto wrapped prawns to chocolate mascarpone mousse, prepared over a pecan and cherry wood grill and served with more than 200 selections of fine wine. Selected by Gourmet magazine as an "Exceptional Restaurant in Florida," The Maritana Grille offers a warm atmosphere where jackets are definitely not required.

Guests are invited to enhance special evenings by dining with The Maritana Grille's Executive Chef Eric Neri and his gourmet staff in the "back of the house," as delectable masterpieces are created. Designed to accommodate private dinners and small gatherings, this intimate atmosphere adds unique flavor to important events.

One basic rule ensures guests an innovative and cutting-edge dining experience presented by the cooking staff upon each visit: no two Chef's Table creations are ever alike. Each course at the Chef's Table is presented and explained by an experienced team of cooks led by Executive Chef Eric Neri and Executive Sous Chef Roger Brock. The five-course meal is anything but typical -- from seaweed and fresh fois grass to white and black truffles and wild boar -- and questions are encouraged. Special requests are taken in advance or patrons are surprised by the creative whim of the cooking staff.

Sunday brunch in the highly acclaimed KING CHARLES BALLROOM combines gourmet delights and spectacular Gulf views with more than 180 delicious selections. Leisurely Sunday mornings are spent deciding whether to indulge first in made-to-order crepes, smoked salmon or fresh steamed shellfish.

The SEA PORCH CAFE offers unforgettable orange and pink sunsets as it takes advantage of its beachfront location with a garden-like, casual setting surrounded by brightly painted greenhouse scenes. White wicker furniture and oversized wooden swings are poised along the boardwalk to enhance dining on moonlit nights. The Sea Porch Cafe features light fresh meals consisting of tropical fruits, seafood and sweet and spicy flavors from the Caribbean and Mediterranean throughout the day. Morning starters include delicious omelets with shrimp and steaming fresh honeybuns and lunches sport wood-oven pizzas, grilled tuna and such. Wind up the perfect sun and surf filled day with a scrumptious curry-rubbed chicken on lightly steamed cabbage with grilled bananas or heavenly shrimp pasta dinners. Decadent desserts are sinful finales.

Finally, a casual pool deck oasis, the BEACHCOMBER GRILL, serves lite bites beachside including colorful salads, fresh fish sandwiches and juicy burgers. Dine alongside one of two pools enveloped in tropical gardens or slip down to the water's edge for a private picnic on pearlescent sands.

Enjoy gourmet cuisine in the midst of the European elegance and pampered service preserved from the Great Gatsby era at all the culinary experiences available at The Don CeSar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, (800) 282-1116 or (727) 360-1881.

Year 2008
For More Media Information
Jamie Myette / Kerry Anne Watson
The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222
media@don-cesar.com