David Thomas To Serve as Chef De Cusine of Sandpearl Resort's Signature Restaurant, Caretta on The Gulf

CLEARWATER BEACH, FL (June 29, 2007) – Clearwater Beach’s premiere dining experience will be unveiled in late summer at the new Sandpearl Resort. The resort’s signature restaurant, Caretta on the Gulf, will offer guests exceptional cuisine and a breathtaking atmosphere. To complete preparations for the opening of the restaurant, Coral Hospitality has named David Thomas as its Chef de Cuisine.

Thomas joins the Sandpearl team with a background immersed in luxury dining, most recently as a chef at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. Previously, he has also served as sous chef at Les Nomades in Chicago, and chef tournant at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, Ca. Thomas also earned a silver medal in the 2001 Culinary Arts Plate Competition conducted by the American Culinary Federation.

“Caretta on the Gulf will offer resort guests and area residents a first-class dining experience on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico,” stated Stuart Arp, General Manager of the Sandpearl Resort. “The addition of David as leader of its culinary team only strengthens the level of culinary excellence expected.”

Caretta on the Gulf is set amongst inspiring surroundings, perched two levels above the beach with indoor and outdoor seating and incredible sunset views. The dining experience is centered on “Florida Fresh” cuisine, including infusions of South American, Caribbean and other international inspirations offering a broad selection of memorable dishes. The Ceviche and Raw Bar offers a fresh daily selection of local seafood and a wood-burning oven opens up a myriad of rustic dining selections. Those seeking an intimate space for special events and wine tastings can take advantage of the Wine Room, with an extensive collection of wines from around the world.

The Sandpearl Resort, opening late summer 2007, will be the first new beachfront resort in Clearwater Beach in over 25 years. Situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine Gulf Coast beach, Sandpearl will feature 253 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a lagoon-style beachfront pool with private cabanas, full-service spa, unique lifestyle enrichment programs, fine and casual dining, plus meeting & event space.

The Sandpearl Resort is being developed by JMC Communities (www.jmccommunities.com) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and is managed by Naples, Fla.-based Coral Hospitality (www.coralhospitality.com). Other project partners include the Hunter Hotel Group and Greenfield Partners.

Founded in 1978, JMC Communities is a Florida-based real estate development company specializing in premier waterfront residential properties that preserve and accentuate the state’s natural beauty and uniqueness. JMC Communities has developed nearly 4,000 waterfront condominium homes in Florida, including many highly successful developments in the Gulf Coast area.

Coral Hospitality is a full service management company with a diverse portfolio of resorts, hotels, condominiums, private golf clubs, marina, spas and community associations. Currently managing 35 properties throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean, Coral operates each with a core belief in providing thoughtful service in unique surroundings. For further information, please contact Kerry Mitruska at 239-449-1800 or kmitruska@coralhospitality.com.

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Ypartnership Public Relations
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