Class at 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
In 2012 Roly Cruz-Taura, was named Executive Chef to one of the most prestigious
resorts in the World, Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Under his direction the
Dining Room at Little Palm Island, continued to garner accolades and reassert itself
as the crown jewel of fine dining not only in the local community but nationwide
and internationally as well. Chef Roly’s spin on Pan Latin cuisine paired with his
classic French technique dazzled guests. His unique Chef Table experience allowed
guests to see the magic while seated right next to the Chef and his brigade.
Prior to being at the helm of Little Palm Island, Chef Roly created fabulous cuisine at
some of the most iconic restaurants and hotels in South Florida for over 30 years.
From 2007 until 2012 as Hotel Executive Chef at the Historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral
Gables, FL, Chef Roly oversaw the smooth functioning of all culinary operations
throughout the hotel especially Biltmore’s world-famous Sunday Brunch (voted top
100 in the country by Open Table), which utilizes the lavish interior and courtyard
of Fontana Restaurant, featuring a champagne buffet with an assortment of
selections to satisfy any palette.
At the Biltmore, Roly, a Certified Executive Chef and member of the American
Culinary Federation, actively enhanced and diversified the selection of cuisines in
order to complement an array of likings. Such accomplishments included elevating
the selection of food offered to guests by room service and revamping the 19th
Hole Restaurant.
A native of Miami, Cruz-Taura graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management
from Florida International University and received an Honorary Degree from Le
Cordon Bleu for his years of dedication to the culinary world. He began his career
at the InterContinental Hotel Miami (formerly The Pavillion). He went on to join the
Mayfair House Hotel in Coconut Grove, Mark’s in the Grove, Shula’s on the Beach,
and Kilinkere, Inc., which owns John Martin’s and O’Caseys restaurants.
In 2004, Cruz-Taura launched his first solo act, FIFTY Restaurant & Lounge, in the
SoFi district of South Beach. His cuisine featured a combination of classic American
fare, presented in a contemporary style with dishes influenced by a variety of
cultures and countries that found their way to the American table. Garnering such
reviews as: The Miami New Times wrote, “Put simply, FIFTY is the best food on Ocean
Drive.” The Miami Herald called FIFTY, “A true South Beach rarity.”
In 2015, Chef Roly embarked on a new challenge, representing Prime Line
Distributors, an importer of selected specialty foods, throughout the Florida
Keys and the Caribbean. His passion and dedication to the finest ingredients and
techniques was a natural for Prime Line, a family owned business since 1981, which
has grown to service the entire State of Florida and beyond.
Details & Reservations: 305-367-5931