Moorings Park Grande Lake, Naples’ newest Life Plan Community, is proud to welcome the new Executive Chef, Julien Bernard, along with General Manager of Dining Services, Alexander Dimas.
“We’re so thrilled about the addition of Alexander and Chef Julien to our Moorings Park Grande Lake team,” said Tom Mann, Vice President and Senior Living Specialist. “Our Moorings Park team has worked extensively to scout the best of the best in order to bring our food-savvy members the most delectable and unique cuisine options, and best dining experiences.”
With an expansive culinary background, Chef Julien is eager to deliver residents a worldly dining experience, while Dimas, who also has a long-running experience in resort and hotel operation, will play an integral role in the start-up of the community’s restaurants.
Authentically Cultured Chef
Originally from Marseilles in the south of France, Chef Julien started his food endeavor at the age of 14, working in several French restaurants. This led him to receive an extensive six-year degree from the respected culinary school, Lycée Hôtelier de Marseille.
His resume includes impressive, delicious work throughout England, Germany, Ireland, and the Accor Hotel in Europe. From there, he found himself in Miami, Florida, at the hotel’s Sofitel location, where he was the Chef de Cuisine, working alongside the Master Chef for six years. Moorings Park Grande Lake members can look forward to the diverse cuisine to come from the cultured chef.
Passion at the Forefront of Management
Hospitality and passion are what drives a successful dining experience, and General Manager Dimas is no stranger such. He holds a baccalaureate degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. With a specific focus on dining services throughout his practice, he undeniably has a passion for serving others.
Most recently, Dimas oversaw all food and beverage operations at the highly respected Michelin Star brand restaurant, Hakkasan, at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. There, he led staff training, menu development, and table and reservation management. Since Michelin Star ratings are a hallmark of fine dining and are awarded on precisely executed cuisine and quality, it’s safe to say that Dimas knows how to provide extraordinary food.
“Food and beverage are what I live and breathe, and to say I have a passion for [both] would be an understatement,” said Dimas. “From being exposed to all aspects of food and beverage and hospitality from a young age and turning it into a career working for the best hotels, resorts, and restaurants, I am excited to share this passion of mine, which is my livelihood, to the residents of Moorings Park Grande Lake.”
Deliciously Diverse Cuisine
As for what’s to come at Moorings Park Grande Lake, the team of two teases that they don’t want to give any of the surprises away but note that members will have the treat of having access to 5-star dining right in their home. The community will have three new dining restaurants to choose from: Zest, the poolside café and bistro; Savor 26, an upscale, yet casual “go-to” with a playful menu; and BlueStone, the fine dining restaurant with an emphasis on prime meats, seafood, and overall cuisine. All are scheduled to open September 1st.
“I just want to have the best ingredients on the plate,” Chef Julien notes, “If you have good ingredients, you can make any dish - the best dish; the quality will be there.”
Multi-Sense Dining
Dimas notes that the two aim to serve an experience that engages all five senses, with sights of world-class architecture from London Bay Homes, sweet sounds of music and live entertainment, the feeling of fine, hand-selected glassware, linens, and tableware, and of course, the food that tickles your taste and smell.
“The extensive and diverse background of [Chef Julien] allows us to offer a variety of food options to our residents,” said Dimas. “We are most excited to be able to exceed their expectations and requests while also bringing a unique flair to inspired dishes for something as simple as a ceviche, to the efforts that go into making a 48-hour sous vide wagyu short-rib.”
As for Chef Julien’s take on the meaning of serving cuisine to some of the most cultured and well-traveled individuals that call Moorings Park Grande Lake home, “Food is happiness. When people sit down in a restaurant, they know they’re going to enjoy the moment. So, I want to have the feedback from guests to make sure they’re happy and [know] they’re very impressed. I want to see their smile from the plate and see that they’re enjoying their meal,” Chef Julien explains, noting that food does in fact “bring people together.”
The Moorings Park Community is excited to see such progression throughout the non-profit organization. For more information about Moorings Park Grande Lake and its delightful staff, lavish residences, world-class amenities, and unparalleled healthcare services, please visit MooringsParkGL.com.
