~ Restaurant at Costa d’Este Beach Resort Popular With Guests and Locals ~
Oriente at the chic, new Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, welcomed its 8,000th dinner guest last night. The hip restaurant and resort are owned by the internationally acclaimed singer/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
Named for Cuba’s Oriente region, the restaurant features Cuban cuisine with overtones from Spain and Latin America as interpreted by Executive Chef David Rodriguez – a Cuban-American who fine-tuned his Cuban culinary skills at the Estefan’s popular South Beach hotspots. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Rodriguez is a member of the American Culinary Federation and the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Since its late-June opening, Oriente has been jam-packed with resort guests, area visitors and locals alike who are drawn to its fresh, local seafood, hand-selected meats and poultry, heirloom produce and regional ingredients. The food’s bold flavors and textures are mirrored in the 85-seat restaurant’s stylish decor and thoughtful architecture, which includes an exhibition kitchen. Guests also relish dining poolside, where music, custom cocktails and candlelight create a sensual vibe.
“Something special happens in the evenings at Oriente,” said Rodriguez. “Naturally I’m biased, but many, many restaurant guests tell me they come first because they are curious, but they come back again and again for the great food and the energy, which is really alive here.”
In addition to a full menu, Oriente features a selection of tasty tapas or “little plates,” which are available in the restaurant, bar and poolside cabana bar. Although the resort’s signature Oriente Mojito, homemade sangria and Cuban coffee drinks are favorites with patrons, the restaurant’s wine cellar is well stocked with South American, Spanish and Californian selections, as well as selected French, South African and Australian vintages.
~ Sample Menu Highlights ~
Starters:
– Swordfish Havana Vieja/Cilantro/Cerranos/Tomato/Creole Vinaigrette
– Honduran Ceviche/Yellow Tail/Coconut/Ginger/Chive/Mild Jalapeno
– Ecuadorian Ceviche/Rock Shrimp/Roasted Tomato/Sofrito.
Main courses:
– Grilled Giant Prawns/Garlic/Lemon/Capers/Roasted Vermicelli
– Cataplana Pompano/Clams/Shrimp/Chardonnay/Garlic-Cilantro Mojo
– Rack of Lamb/Latin Spice Crust/Papaya Chutney/Mojito Glaze
– Pork Churrasco/Cuban Style Polenta/Citrus Mojo/Sherry-Caramelized Cabbage
– Bistec Empanizado flat iron/Julienne Crisp Potatoes/Avocado/Hearts of Palm
Desserts:
– Chocolate Tres Leche
– Vanilla Bean Flan/Banana Bread Pudding
– Warm Chocolate Tart/Vanilla Bean Anglaise
Light fare and small plates:
– Seared Palomilla Sliders/Plantain Chips/Garlic Mojo
– Shredded Chicken Empanadas/Manchego Cheese/Fresh Peas/Olives/Chipolte Dipping Sauce
– Crispy Eggplant Croqueta/Chipotle Aioli
– Cuban Roll – Coconut Rice/Plantain/Avocado/Piquillo/Ropa Vieja/Soy Chimi Churri
Reservations are strongly suggested for dinner and can be made by calling 772-410-0100.
~ Costa d’Este Beach Resort ~
Costa d’Este Beach Resort opened on Vero Beach in June 2008. The chic, beachfront property redefined style, comfort and luxury on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Stylish accommodations, contemporary Cuban-fusion cuisine and discreetly attentive service, coupled with an intimate bi-level spa, fully equipped gym and stunning infinity edge pool satisfy the most discerning world travelers. Costa d’Este is owned by the internationally acclaimed recording artist/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan and is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International. For more information, visit www.costadeste.com or call toll-free 877-562-9919.
~ Benchmark Hospitality International ~
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.
