Alon Gontowski has been named executive pastry chef for the Rosen Centre Hotel. Gontowski is a past winner of the Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” competition and was part of the team that made the world’s largest wedding cake to claim a Guinness World Record (no word on whose wedding it was for). He most recently was with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.
Gontowsk, above,i was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He has also baked at Todd English’s Tuscany and Michael Jordan’s Steak House.
Speaking of Rosen hotels and pastry chefs, there’s still no final word on who will replace David Ramirez, who left the executive pastry chef position at Rosen Shingle Creek to concentrate on his growing business, David Ramirez Chocolates. I’m told the hotel is in negotiations with a candidate but an announcement is not expected until at least the end of June.
The Alfond Inn has appointed Wesley DeSouza food and beverage manager. He will oversee all food operations, including Hamilton’s Kitchen, the hotel’s full-service restaurant.
DeSouza is a native of Brazil and was previously with Heathrow Country Club and Darden Restaurants in Kansas City. He also handled event planning and concierge services for Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Orlando.
