Chef Edward Leonard and his team
Reimagining The Dining Experience With Pride
“It is often during challenging times where there is the greatest opportunity to redefine yourself.”
That’s the new motto that’ll kick off this season of “Culinary Pride” at The Polo Club of Boca Raton. Culinary Pride isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a way of life for Chef Edward Leonard, CMC, director of culinary operations.
During the last six months, Chef Leonard, one of only 71 Master Chefs in the United States, and his team – along with front-of-house team members – have worked to redefine the foodie experience for club members. From curbside delivery to a pop-up restaurant series featuring cuisine from Italy, France and Portugal, Chef Leonard and his team have come together to find the best ways to ensure members continue to enjoy the kind of dining experiences they have come to expect.
“It has been a challenge but one we met with passion and a final goal to deliver the best we can,” says Chef Leonard, who brought his trademarked Culinary Pride program – which stands for Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence – to The Polo Club five years ago. “Team members have come together in ways that were stellar and made the member experience even better.”
While most of the five restaurants on the property were limited in their capabilities due to the pandemic, members were still able to enjoy limited indoor seating as well as outdoor seating. The Barefoot Café has been open for lunch and brunch, and the club plans to have all five restaurants open by November with new concepts and menus, including a plant-based spa-type menu featuring fresh vegetables, grains and other items.
“We are redefining our service style, taking lessons learned from curbside dining and applying them to regular dining as we slowly go back to normal,” says Chef Leonard. “As they say, nothing brings people together like good food.”
The 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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