Private Chef Jose Rodriguez

Chef Jose Rodriguez is a seasoned culinary professional with extensive experience in high-end resort and restaurant kitchens. He has refined his craft at Gaylord Palms Resort and Hammock Beach Resort, where he developed a passion for elevated cuisine, refined presentation, and exceptional guest experiences.

In addition to his resort background, Chef Jose is a former Mediterranean restaurant owner, bringing authentic flavors, bold techniques, and a deep appreciation for fresh, thoughtfully prepared food. His culinary style blends classic training with creativity, focusing on quality ingredients and memorable dining moments.

For me, cooking is...

My passion and the way I express myself artistically.

I learned to cook at...

I had the opportunity to go to Le Cordon Bleu and apprenticeship under a French Chef.

A cooking secret...

Seasoning pairings with fresh ingredients.

My menus

Land & Sea

STARTER

All inclusive

Sea Seared Diver Scallop Sweet corn purée, brown butter vinaigrette

Land Seared Heritage Pork Belly Sweet corn purée, apple gastrique, brown butter crumble

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sea Butter-Poached Lobster Meyer lemon beurre blanc, shaved fennel

Land Hand-Rolled Agnolotti Ricotta, lemon zest, white truffle cream

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sea Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass Coconut jasmine rice, bok choy, ginger-lime jus

Land Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Red wine reduction, pomme purée, roasted baby carrots

DESSERT

All inclusive

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Caramelized sugar crust, fresh berries

Good Friends, Great Food

STARTER

All inclusive

Charcuterie & Cheese Board Artisan cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruit, nuts, house jams, toasted crostini

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Pear & Arugula Salad Goat cheese, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette

Classic Caesar Salad Crisp romaine, shaved Parmesan, garlic croutons, house Caesar dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Short Ribs Red wine jus, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables

Herb-Roasted Chicken Lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, wild rice pilaf, green beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate Bread Pudding Warm chocolate sauce, vanilla bean ice cream

Lemon Berry Cheesecake Graham crust, fresh berries, citrus glaze

The Final Fling Feast A Bachelorette Dinner Experience

STARTER

All inclusive

Burrata Board Creamy burrata, marinated tomatoes, prosciutto, basil, balsamic glaze, grilled crostini

Mini Crab Cakes Lemon aioli, fresh herbs, microgreens

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pink Champagne Caesar Salad Crisp romaine, Parmesan, garlic croutons, champagne-infused Caesar dressing

Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad Goat cheese, arugula, candied pecans, honey vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Medallions Red wine demi-glace, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan cream sauce, herb rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Dessert Trio Assorted bite-sized desserts featuring macarons, cheesecake bites, and chocolate truffles

Chocolate Lover’s Cake Rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, fresh berries

Romantic Dinner for two

STARTER

All inclusive

• Oysters on the Half Shell Shallot mignonette, lemon, fresh horseradish

• Strawberry Arugula Salad Goat cheese, toasted almonds, champagne vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

• Lobster Bisque Rich and creamy with a hint of cognac

• Wild Mushroom Risotto Truffle essence, Parmesan, fresh herbs

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

• Filet Mignon Red wine sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus

• Butter-Poached Lobster Tail Saffron pearl couscous, lemon-herb sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

• Molten Chocolate Cake Warm chocolate center, vanilla bean ice cream

• Classic Crème Brûlée Caramelized sugar crust, fresh berries

Culinary Tour of the Mediterranean

STARTER

All inclusive

Greek Mezze Plate Whipped feta, marinated olives, cucumber-tomato salad, grilled pita, lemon-oregano olive oil Option B: Spanish Gambas al Ajillo Sautéed shrimp, garlic, chili flakes, parsley, extra-virgin olive oil, toasted bread

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Italian Minestrone Seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, herbs, tomato broth, shaved Parmigiano

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, herbs, red wine vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin Rosemary, garlic, lemon, roasted fingerling potatoes, mint yogurt sauce

Olive tapenade, blistered cherry tomatoes, fennel, citrus-herb vinaigrette

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baklava Layers of phyllo pastry, honey syrup, pistachio, orange blossom

Lemon Olive Oil Cake Whipped mascarpone, fresh berries, citrus zest