The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach, a charming, historic art deco property with 82 guest rooms and suites, managed by Highgate, has announced the appointment of Antony Awak as Chef de Cuisine and Alberto Montesino as Lead Mixologist. These new hires mark a pivotal time at the hotel as the team elevates the food and beverage offerings for hotel guests and locals alike.
“We’re excited to introduce Chef Antony Awak and Lead Mixologist Alberto Montesino to The Balfour Hotel food and beverage team,” said General Manager Skylar Siminovsky. “Their expertise adds a new dimension to our culinary and mixology programs as we prepare to unveil a new culinary concept at The Balfour later this year.”
Raised in Caracas and Maracay, Awak embarked on his culinary journey with a connection to food from an early age, watching his grandmother and mother craft culture-rich dishes. Over the years, Awak has worked at multiple luxury hotels and restaurants. Most recently, he worked as senior sous chef at Groot Hospitality and Highgate hotels in Miami Beach, elevating his culinary and leadership skills by overseeing junior sous chefs and ensuring a seamless operational flow. Prior to that, Awak was with The Confidante Hotel in Miami Beach in April 2019 where he orchestrated food preparation, managed line coordination and played a crucial role in training staff.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of The Balfour Hotel team and incorporate my passion for diverse cuisines,” said Awak. “I’ve developed a mastery for crafting dishes rich with cultural influences and am looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective with new flavors that will elevate The Balfour’s culinary experience.”
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Montesino has been captivated by the atmosphere of the hospitality industry, first encountering the lively energy on his way home from school. Montesino’s passion grew as he pursued studies in tourism at the Official School of Tourism in the Canary Islands, Spain. His proficiency in mixology results from robust experience working in the hospitality and tourism industries beginning in the Canary Islands at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife.
“My journey in mixology led me from Havana, Cuba to the Canary Islands where my passion for tailoring flavors to suit every palate deepened,” shared Montesino. “First experiencing the dynamic energy of the hospitality industry in my adolescence, I was drawn to pursue a career as a mixologist, and am thrilled to craft a fusion of bold flavors and innovative cocktails that redefine The Balfour’s bar experience.”
Diners enter the hotel’s restaurant and bar through a wrap-around terrace with ample outdoor seating overlooking iconic Ocean Drive. The dining room is centered around the historic building’s original marble fireplace, terrazzo flooring, and an inviting lobby bar featuring a well-crafted, classic cocktail program. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, this space celebrates Miami’s diverse cultural scene with its plush rattan furniture, pops of tropical prints and warm hues, and art from local artist Gustavo Oviedo.
