Making the Rounds with Helen Benefield Billings – Paradise Found
Kane, a Balinese-inspired beachfront grill and tiki bar.
(top) Strawberry Ginger Margarita, (center) Smoked Manhattan, (bottom) Elderflower Mojito.
This heavenly property, right on a sugar sand beach with a fantastic tropical vibe and spot-on service by an enthusiastic team, delighted attendees at HEE East’s 2017 conference in early November. Four on-site restaurants – ARIO, Quinn’s on the Beach, Korals and Kane – all presented impressive beverage menus to suit every taste and style.
“Like no other resort in Southwest Florida, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is the perfect island-within-an-island escape. At this idyllic paradise, the Food & Beverage operations are an integral part of the guest experience, providing unmatched offerings to delight the senses. The resort is so unique in that a visitor can enjoy a tiki-style Rum drink with their toes in the sand in the afternoon, followed by imbibing a selection of fine wines from around the world at a gourmet, chef-driven restaurant that same evening. The resort effortlessly blurs the lines when it comes to their varied beverage experiences, delivering unique twists on classics – all with a taste of the local, tropical ambience.
Recently, the property has undergone a Food & Beverage overhaul, courtesy of Dalio Calado, Director of Restaurants. Originally from Portugal, Calado brings with him more than 15 years of F&B experience with a strong beverage background. He studied his craft in France and traveled the world before landing in New York City, where his first venture with the Marriott brand was at the iconic JW Marriott Essex House. There he honed his talents and now brings with him an innovative edge and refined flair that is evident in all projects he touches at the resort.”
– Copy courtesy of JW Marriott
(top) Korals Sushi & Cocktail Lobby Bar features a Bourbon menu, martinis, sake martinis, mojitos and a large variety of wines. (bottom) ARIO has world-class beverage service with an extensive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails.
