Chef Lee Aquino appointed Executive Chef of Birch & Vine at The Birchwood

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - April 10, 2018 - PRLog -- The Birchwood announces today that Chef Lee Aquino will lead the kitchen and staff as Executive Chef of Birch & Vine and the catering kitchen in The Grand Ballroom of The Birchwood.com.

It didn't take long for Amelia Island native, Lee Aquino, to earn his way as Executive Chef at The Birchwood's Birch & Vine restaurant.  With a dynamic personality and hands-on work ethic, his goal is to make Birch & Vine the top downtown waterfront restaurant, delivering a dining experience like no other.  He's already making the changes necessary to reposition the restaurant and cultivate the staff to meet this goal.

"After six successful years as Executive Sous Chef of the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, I felt it was time to check out the other side of the Bay," Said Chef Lee Aquino.  "We couldn't be more excited to have Lee lead our Birch & Vine team," added owner Chuck Prather, "We've already seen amazing things happening here!"

Trained under an apprenticeship with the American Culinary Federation in St. Augustine, Chef Lee has is known for pairing seasonal flavors with bold presentations that excite the senses.  Lee's favorite dish is the one he has yet to create, so don't be surprised when you see and taste what he comes up with next!

ABOUT THE BIRCHWOOD

The Birchwood is located in St. Petersburg's beautiful downtown waterfront district and offers fine dining at The Birch & Vine Restaurant, an 18 room boutique hotel on floors 2 and 3, conference, event, and entertainment space in The Grand Ballroom on the 4th floor and a rooftop lounge, The Canopy, on the top floor that overlooks Tampa Bay, Straub Park and the downtown skyline.  The Birchwood is a Spanish Mission style building originally built in 1922 and underwent historically correct renovations in 2013.  It is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.  To learn more about The Birchwood call 727-896-1080 or visit us at http://www.TheBirchwood.com