In January, The Grove Resort Residence’s hospitality management company BENCHMARK® named Antonio Estremera as executive chef for The Grove’s Valencia Restaurant, Alfresco Market, two poolside eateries, two lounges and the popular Antonio’s Pizza.
Chef Estremera is no stranger to the high level of quality and service found at The Grove Resort Residences. He has worked for Benchmark for the last 14 years at properties all across the country. Chef Estremera recently served as executive chef at the Gloria Estefan-owned Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida. Prior to that he was executive sous chef at the Center for Leadership Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland and he was chef tournant for The Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Virginia.
Chef Estremera grew up in Lima, Peru’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Learning the essentials of cooking from his mother and grandmother at the family’s restaurant Metropolis, his love for the culinary arts developed and set into motion a remarkable career as a chef.
Now, Executive Chef Antonio Estremera applies his refined technique and creativity to serving the owners and guests at The Grove Resort Residences. Central to the feel of all food services on the property, Chef Estremera says he wants owners and guests to experience elegance and comfort when they dine at The Grove. “Not so stuffy,” said Estremera. “I want you to feel like you are at home.”
True to his vision, Chef Estremera recently installed a new pizza oven in the Alfresco Market. The oven cooks a 14-inch pie at 800 degrees in just 160 seconds. Estremera started Antonio’s Pizza to meet the demand on property, delivering 50 to 60 pizzas around the resort every day. “Bringing the pizza right to the customer anywhere they may be at the resort is great,” said Chef Estremera. “Owners and guests love what we are creating, and they know it’s made with love.”
As the Grove Resort Residences prepares to open Valencia Restaurant later this year, Executive Chef Antonio Estremera is setting his sights on delivering the finest Mediterranean-style restaurant experience possible. Drawing on his Peruvian roots, Estremera will offer fresh caught local seafood and ceviche as well as Osso Buco and great steaks. “We will include the tastes of the entire Mediterranean,” said Estremera. “We will have an amazing brick pizza oven, the finest paella in Florida and all of the influences of Italy, Spain and France.
Executive Chef Antonio Estremera is another great addition to The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. His depth of culinary skill and keen understanding of service to owners and guest will further elevate The Grove Resort Residences experience.
