SARASOTA, FLORIDA — DEC. 22 — Located along the pristine Gulf of Mexico coast in Lido Key, Lido Beach Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Desorcie as the new Executive Chef. Desorcie brings 12 years of experience to the property’s culinary team, and as Executive Chef, where he will oversee all culinary activity at the resort.

Desorcie hails from New York where he most recently served as the Banquet Chef for the AAA Four Diamond property The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, N.Y. In this role, he was responsible for executing plated and buffet functions for 700+ people, menu planning, training staff and more. Both Lido Beach Resort and The Sagamore are operated by Ocean Properties Hotel Resorts and Affiliates – a hotel management and development company with more than 100 hotels in its portfolio. Earlier in his career, Desorcie was transferred to Lido Beach Resort for two winter seasons where he worked as a Cook and later as a Sous Chef.

“Lido Beach Resort has always held a special place in my heart and I am so happy to be back,” says Desorcie. “The city of Sarasota offers an emerging, inspiring culinary scene and I’m thrilled to introduce that progressive energy to Lido Beach Resort with innovative F&B ideas and offerings.”

The Gulf of Mexico serves as a core influence to Desorcie’s cuisine approach, which focuses on an international fusion of flavors and a health-conscious cooking style. Desorcie plans to incorporate local fish and specialty seafood items on resort menus, and flavors from the islands will play a big role. Beyond the Gulf, Desorcie is looking to Hawaii, Cuba, South America and Jamaica to discover new flavors and ingredients ranging from yams and coconuts to grilled fish, ginger and sesame.

Family is another reason Desorcie moved to Sarasota — it is the hometown of his wife, Lori. The couple moved back to Sarasota together from New York, where Lori also worked at The Sagamore as the Executive Pastry Chef. Now in Sarasota, Lori accepted the position as Executive Pastry Chef at The Resort at Longboat Key Club — a AAA Four Diamond resort also managed by Ocean Properties and the sister property to Lido Beach Resort.