Page 68 - life-in-naples-march-2016

“Look who’s cooking up some awesomeness
in the kitchen at Shula’s Naples!”
W hen you come to Shula’s Naples for a Tangerine Restaurant at the Water Hotel. Chef Fernandez is a member of
meal, you already know you are in for the American Culinary Federation and is a “Best Hotel Chef ” nominee

some of the best cuisine in all of SWFL, member of the James Beard Foundation.

but what you may not know is who is Next up we have Chef Dana

doing the cooking! Wilkinson, who in his own words

So, we decided to give you an expanded view of what’s considers himself a “cultural

going on behind the doors by introducing you to who is hybrid” in both his diverse cooking

making the magic in the kitchen at Shula’s! methods and in his own personal

background. He was born here in

the US, to a mother who hails from

the Bahamas and to a father, who

is British. Chef Dana has said that

his first love of cooking was kindled

during his childhood in Nassau,

Bahamas. He had spent a large

amount of time learning cooking

skills under the watchful guidance

of his Jamaican grandmothers.

He attended boarding schools

in both Canada and Switzerland,

where he was introduced to diverse

cultural origins, flavors and tastes.

Even later as a student at Boston

University, Chef Dana was further immersed in the cooking disciplines and

practical training at the Ritz Carlton, Boston Culinary Department. He was

so immersed in learning that his one-month internship lasted three years!

First up we have Shula’s Executive Chef, Cesar Chef Wilkinson has had the privilege of working in just about every

Fernandez. Under Chef Fernandez’ culinary tutelage culinary position possible during the 32 years invested in learning his craft.

Shula’s has received many prestigious awards, one of He has worked in extremely high-quality properties that include, The

which is “The Best Steak House in Southwest Florida”. Atlantis Resort Paradise Island in the Bahamas and locally at The Registry

Chef Fernandez also oversees the culinary operations of Resort Naples, Pazzo!, Chops City Grill and Campiello.

the Hilton Naples hotel’s in-room dining, banquet and Another significant trait that Chef Dana possesses is passion; he is all

meeting facilities, which encompasses 18,000 square feet about developing synergy and effective teamwork in the kitchen and also

of space. mentoring and teaching up-and-coming young chefs new to the business. As

His career experience is vast and includes many four a devoted husband and father, Dana thinks of all of us in the Shula’s kitchen

and five diamond rated properties in Florida and Puerto as family.

Rico, such as the Alexander Hotel, the Grand Bay Hotel So no matter what meal you come to Shula’s to enjoy, you can rest assured

and the El San Juan Resort. He received some significant that these culinary masters are truly cooking up some magic in the Shula’s

acclaim and attention nationally with the opening of the Naples kitchen!

Shula’s Steak House At The Hilton Naples 5111 Tamiami Trail North | 239.430.4999