Change Is Good
Residents and guests at Polo Club of Boca Raton may have noticed numerous changes over the last few months and can expect more exciting new offerings in the months to come. It’s all thanks to the club’s newest Executive Chef Samantha Cavaciuti, who took the reins in August and Director of Catering Laura Ortino, who joined in March 2020.
It’s not common to have women in leadership roles in the food and drink industry, so to have two is even more extraordinary.
Chef Samantha Cavaciuti and her team
“Polo Club has a lot of fresh new faces, women in top roles and younger talent,” says Ortino.
Many country clubs are seeing membership skew younger with those in their 50’s and 60’s buying into the lifestyle. With 1,709 homes and roughly 2,800 members Polo Club has a national reputation for its five-star amenities and exceptional lifestyle.
Chef Cavaciuti, who recently celebrated her six-year anniversary at Polo Club, started as the poolside restaurant sous chef working her way up the chain. At 32, she’s hoping to bring energy and fresh ideas. Ortino, who is new to the country club scene, previously worked at several high-end hotels.
Like all restaurants and country clubs, Polo Club had to get creative at the start of the pandemic. A marketplace was established for residents to purchase food and other necessities, pick-up and delivery was made available with different menus created daily. Finding ways to offer outdoor events and food service became a priority, with parking lots and tennis courts transformed into event venues.
Changes are also coming to some of the five restaurants. American Bistro now has an Italian flair, while Steeplechase, once focused on Mediterranean food, will become a chop house with an elevated dining experience. “The Crown Room will increase tableside service with more guest interaction,” says Chef Cavaciuti.
“As season gets underway, we will be using all of our kitchens and spaces to host fun themed events,” says Chef Cavaciuti.
Polo Club of Boca Raton is located at 5400 Champion Blvd., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-995-1200 or visit poloclub.net.
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