Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodrigo Menéndez as the new Culinary Director, overseeing the 7,000-acre resort’s eight distinct dining venues as well as the in-room dining program.
Menéndez brings a deep understanding of gastronomy combined with outstanding interpersonal leadership skills to help reinvigorate and refresh Casa de Campo Resort & Villas world-renowned food and beverage offerings.
Menéndez’s key areas of focus include concept and menu development, kitchen design based on elevated functionality, and sales and profitability goals for the resort’s robust restaurant collection. Menéndez will also be responsible for identifying, hiring, and training senior food and beverage positions for all culinary outlets, in addition to being on-site to ensure the highest level of operational standards are met.
“Mr. Menéndez´s vast international training and experience from working in some of the world’s most renowned culinary destinations is invaluable to achieve our mission of delivering world-class dining experiences, said Andres Pichardo, President of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “His impeccable track record is going to play an integral role in further developing our culinary objectives. We already have such a wonderful base, but we are thrilled to refresh our offerings and provide our guests the very best in luxury dining options.”
Menéndez brings almost two decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry in the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Colombia, Panama, and Honduras, among many others. Most recently he worked as the Executive Chef for Sortis Spa & Casino, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Panama.
Menéndez, a native from Argentina, has a degree in the Specialty of Cuisine from the Fundación Escuela de Restauración y Hostelería de Barcelona, Spain and a title as Superior Technician in Gastronomic Services from the Instituto Superior Perito Moreno, Buenos Aires, Argentina, among other complementary training and acknowledgments received.
“I am thrilled to join the iconic Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and help infuse some of my global influence and knowledge into the property’s high-end culinary offerings,” said Rodrigo Menéndez, Culinary Director, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “Casa de Campo has such a rich heritage and I’m eager to work side by side with the team and talented chefs to continue delivering some of the best dining in the Caribbean.”
