As executive chef of BALEENnaples, Votaw oversees culinary programs at the resort and utilizes his depth of experience and creativity to develop an eclectic menu. Providing a Gulf Coast twist to traditional favorites, the menu offers visitors palate-pleasing options for each of the restaurant's three daily seatings of breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

"An adept understanding of ingredients is a characteristic that comprises a world-class chef," Votaw said. "This is my goal and we constantly aim to exceed our guests' expectations and maintain the exceptional dining experience that visitors have come to expect from BALEENnaples." 

Growing up in his father's restaurant confirmed Votaw's desire to follow in his father's footsteps. Votaw graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1984 and worked as an apprentice with renowned master chefs Albert and Michael Roux at the esteemed Le Gavroche in London, England. Votaw received classic French training in all areas of the kitchen and gained extensive knowledge of the essense of French cuisine, perfecting the art of creating sophisticated pastries.
 
Three years later, Votaw showcased his experience as Executive Pastry Chef at Le Chardon d'or in Alexandria, Virginia. He later assumed the position of Executive Pastry Chef at the prestigious Four Seasons Ocean Grand in Palm Beach, Fla., where he gained recognition as the "Top Pastry Chef" by Food Arts magazine. 

His passion for first-class French cuisine with contemporary American influences led him back to South Florida, where he received a position that allowed him to grasp the entire restaurant business and expand his culinary skills to business operations. 

Votaw served as Executive Chef at Little Palm Island, another Noble House property, from 1999 to 2003. Under Votaw's direction, Little Palm Island was rated "Top Restaurants" by Zagat Survey and received numerous awards from AAA and Gourmet. 

From classical French and eclectic southern styles, to Asian, Latin and even pastry, Votaw's culinary versatility brings innovation and genius to BALEENnaples. 

Capturing a spot on the coveted Condè Nast Traveler Gold List and the Great Hotels ranking of Travel + Leisure, the stylishly simple escape features a sweeping soft white beach with private Beach Butlers, crisp white cabanas along a cascading falls pool, David Leadbetter Golf Academy with a private 18-hole Cupp golf course, exotic SpaTerre and stunning sunsets.

For more information, call LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort  (239) 597-3123, (800) 237-6883 or visit www.laplayaresort.com. 

ABOUT NOBLE HOUSE HOTELS & RESORTS
Founded in 1994, Noble House Hotels & Resorts is a privately held real estate development company based in Seattle, Washington.  The company owns and manages 13 boutique hotels and resorts located in six states and spanning the four coastal corners of the U.S. In addition to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, the Noble House collection includes such renowned properties as The Adolphus in Dallas, Texas; Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys and The Edgewater in Seattle, Washington.  For more information or to book reservations, visit the Noble House Hotels & Resorts website at www.noblehousehotels.com. (Chain code NC.)

Carol Baetzel, Tel: (602) 931-542
E-mail: [email protected]