Enrique Villardefrancos
The veteran culinary director ushers in a New Era of culinary excellence at the landmark hotel
The Biltmore Hotel,a national historic landmark and luxury hotel in the heart of Coral Gables, announces the appointment of Enrique Villardefrancos as Director of Culinary Operations.
Villardefrancos brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to The Biltmore Hotel. Prior to joining The Biltmore, Villardefrancos served as Corporate Executive Chef for U.S. and the Caribbean for MSC Cruises and before that he was with Norwegian Cruise Line. He has also led the culinary operations for various upscale hotels including, The Polo Club Boca Raton, the Hilton Las Vegas Resort, Mirage Casino and Resort, the Grand Bay Hotel as well as Hotel St. Michel.
In his new role, Villardefrancos will be responsible for overseeing all of The Biltmore’s culinary operations including the acclaimed Palme d'Or; Fontana, an Italian restaurant that mounts one of the country’s most celebrated and lavish Sunday Brunch buffets; the poolside Cascade; the golf side restaurant, 19th Hole, as well as The Biltmore’s Culinary Academy and in-room dining.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Villardefrancos to The Biltmore. His vast experience in culinary management speaks for itself,” said Matthias Kammerer, Managing Director of The Biltmore Hotel. “With a proven track record, Villardefrancos will be an asset to further The Biltmore’s reputation as one of Miami’s finest culinary destinations.”
Villardefrancos is originally from Cuba and has an extensive education in culinary hospitality. He attended the University of Havana and the International Tourism School specializing in Culinary Arts and Food Sciences Management.
For more information on The Biltmore Hotel, please visit www.biltmorehotel.com or call (800) 727-1926.
About The Biltmore Hotel:
Recently renovated, graced with effortless beauty and sophistication, The Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark located in the exclusive Coral Gables area, with close proximity to Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. The 271-room resort includes 174 suites and features spectacular Mediterranean architecture with classic Italian, Moorish, and Spanish influences spread over 150 acres of tropical landscape. A favorite of world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the hotel offers a restored Donald Ross 18-hole, 71-par championship golf course; tennis courts; the largest hotel pool on the East Coast of the United States with private cabanas; a European spa and a renowned fitness center. The hotel’s dining destinations include the award winning Palme d’Or, one of the only AAA five Diamond restaurants in Florida; Fontana, a traditional Italian restaurant surrounding The Biltmore courtyard and fountain; the poolside Cascade and the 19th Hole golf centric restaurant. The hotel also boasts a Culinary Academy offering an array of hands-on cooking classes for adults and children. The Biltmore is one of South Florida’s preferred sites for leisure and business travel, high-level corporate briefings and public policy conferences, and is an extraordinary wedding destination. The Biltmore is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.BiltmoreHotel.com or call (800) 727-1926.
