ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla.
One Ocean Resort & Spa welcomed Jay Mendoza as the resort chef responsible for Azurea, the signature restaurant serving fresh, coastal cuisine.
Bringing knowledge and experience in the luxury hotel and restaurant market, Mendoza has worked at top-rated hotels and restaurants in New York, California, Alaska and Louisiana, including three Michelin star rated restaurants. As the resort chef, Mendoza will lead the day-to-day operations of the culinary program at One Ocean Resort & Spa and Azurea.
“We are thrilled to have Jay join our team at Azurea. He has a dynamic background and has worked in some of the top restaurant kitchens in the country,” said Ted Peters, vice president of culinary, Remington Hotels. “I am particularly excited about Jay’s ability and drive to connect with visitors and personally offer Azurea guests with a beautiful experience of the freshest and highest quality ingredients.”
Mendoza’s professional experience spans more than 14 years at an array of restaurants, resorts and hotels throughout the country. Embarking his culinary career in California, Mendoza held positions at Los Angeles hotspots including, Bouchon Bistro, Sona Restaurant, Ortolan Restaurant and Patina Restaurant where he developed his gift for engaging with guests and the community, which he has carried throughout his career.
Mendoza went on to hold a chef de cuisine and executive pastry chef position at Hotel Indigo in Santa Barbara, Calif. and executive chef and director of food and beverage positions at Stonebridge Companies/Hilton Properties in Anchorage, Alaska and Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans, La. Mendoza’s responsibilities included menu development, staff recruitment and management while overseeing daily restaurant and bar operations.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with such an amazing team of culinary professionals,” said Mendoza. “Utilizing the freshest local products and ingredients in all areas I have traveled and lived, I am so pleased to be on the East Coast of Florida.”
Azurea restaurant remains true to its local surroundings, providing an elegant atmosphere where a view of the ocean is accessible from any seat in the house. Azurea’s menu changes with each season, representing the latest trends and the finest ingredients available. As a Wine Spectator award of excellence restaurant, Azurea is one of three AAA four-diamond awarded restaurants in Northeast Florida.
As part of a collection of hotels and resorts managed by Remington Hotels, One Ocean Resort & Spa has 193 guest rooms and features 10,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 3,800-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate 500 guests.
