Fred Mero Named Executive Chef at Downtown St. Augustine Restaurant

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL--(Marketwired - Jul 27, 2016) -  A fresh perspective is bringing enlightened menus and unique dining opportunities to downtown St. Augustine as new Executive Chef Fred Mero takes the lead in overseeing restaurants and catering at The Kessler Collection's Casa Monica Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection.

Bringing 27 years of experience to the resort's Mediterranean-inspired Costa Brava restaurant, Chef Mero, a native of Ecuador, discovered his passion for cooking as a young immigrant to New York. Gaining experience at some of the most prestigious restaurants in New York City, he has risen through the ranks of the culinary world and expresses his passion by creating a culinary journey of dishes from around the Mediterranean for those seeking an adventurous dining experience. Revealing exciting new dining options in the heart of historic St. Augustine, the resort's Costa Brava celebrates flavors of the world as an art form with an eclectic menu featuring seasonally inspired new world flavors. 

Watching his mother prepare spectacular South American seafood dishes, Mero dreamed of one day becoming a chef. To that goal, he attained his education through the Culinary Arts program at Brooklyn Technical College and New York Restaurant School.

His menu at Costa Brava includes Blue Cheese Beef Tenderloin, Brandy Flamed Pepper Steak, Whole Roasted Branzino and Galician Churrasco all perfectly garnished to accentuate their unique flavors. An extensive menu of small plates is also offered, perfect for sharing with family and friends, along with refreshing hand-crafted cocktails and impressive wines.

Executive Chef Mero also heads up the professional team of culinary artists responsible for creating inspiring customized menus for catered business and social events at the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. Featuring 12,000 square feet of event space that includes an elegant ballroom, private dining rooms, a relaxing poolside terrace and more, the award-winning resort offers amenities to set the stage for successful downtown St. Augustine events.

About the Casa Monica Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection
A historic treasure in the heart of St. Augustine, the Casa Monica Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection welcomes travelers with Old World Moroccan charm and contemporary comfort. A hotel destination since 1888 and a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, the resort was graciously restored in 1999 to provide guests with impeccable service and refined luxury. From the resort's Grand Bohemian Art Gallery to the new Poseidon Spa, travelers can expect the finest in boutique accommodations and state-of-the-art convenience. Featuring an expansive offering of stylish rooms and spacious suites, the hotel pampers all guests with 37-inch flat screen TVs, premium movie channels, Bose sound systems, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury bedding and room service to ensure an inspired St. Augustine experience for both business and leisure guests.

About The Kessler Collection
Capturing the classical and unconventional spirit of Bohemian cultures, The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boast chic design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance and intuitive service. Whether visiting properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire mystique an unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are bathed in re-defined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel, a cutting edge downtown icon and Bavarian-inspired Castle, to a high design southern mansion and elite ski lodge.

The Kessler Collection was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind. For more information about The Kessler Collection and its properties, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.