CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (April 29, 2021) – A hidden gem on Florida’s Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River recently named Timothy Head as executive chef of the 196-room resort. Chef Tim will direct daily culinary operations at the resort’s signature West 82 Bar & Grill and other dining outlets, and oversee food and beverage offerings for the Plantation’s 12,000 square feet of function space for meetings, corporate parties, local catering events, and special occasions.
“Chef Tim’s qualifications will prove to be the key ingredient in all of Plantation on Crystal River’s culinary offerings,” said Michael Mancke, general manager, Plantation on Crystal River. “His creative and diverse background, paired with his expertise in managing food costs and labor, will take dining at the Plantation to the next level.”
Prior to joining the Plantation on Crystal River, Chef Tim worked as executive chef for Laurel Springs Golf Club in Georgia. He graduated with honors at the top of his class at the Art Institute of Atlanta’s School of Culinary Arts. During his time in school, Chef Tim joined the luxurious Atlanta Hilton and Towers, where he eventually secured a position at the prestigious Four-Diamond Nikolai’s Roof Restaurant. It was there he developed a passion for European haute cuisine, which took him to Dublin, Rome, Naples, Florence, Pompei, and finally to Tuscany, where he landed as a chef with the Michelin Five-Star, Le Tonde Rosa. He also served as Executive Chef with Gate Group, where he oversaw all domestic and international catering for Delta Airlines at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport. With more than 30 years in the industry and trained by a certified master chef and master pastry chef, Chef Tim also honed his craft at Café Sunflower in Atlanta; Grand Palms Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in South Florida; Adam’s Mark Hotel & Conference Center in Winston Salem; American Cruise Lines; and Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach. In 2003, Chef Tim’s colorful career had him at the helm of the Motor Rock Party for Paul Newman at the Miami Grand Prix and the Hatteras Premier Motor Yacht Party, also in Miami. Additional high-profile career events include the 1996 Olympic Games, Masters Golf Tournament, Doral Open, ACF National President’s Ball, NASA shuttle launches, and cooking for musical superstars such as Cold Play, Elton John and Stone Temple Pilots. A native of Atlanta, Chef Tim now resides in Crystal River, Florida.
For more information on Plantation on Crystal River, visit PlantationonCrystalRiver.com or call 800-632-6262.
– Plantation on Crystal River –
About Plantation on Crystal River
The eco-friendly Plantation on Crystal River is surrounded by the natural springs of King’s Bay and more than 25,000 surface acres of pristine lakes and rivers, as well as wildlife refuges and state parks. On site, the Plantation features a full-service family-oriented dive and tour operation marina, 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 18-hole golf course, Aveda spa, delectable dining and inviting accommodations. Guests have the unique opportunity to swim with the manatees, rent a pontoon or Jon boat, relax by the riverfront pool, enjoy a game of croquet on the manicured lawn, or hire a guided fishing charter. With more than 1,600 feet of seawall, overnight guests can tie up their boats at any of over 80 spaces. A golf school and SCUBA certification classes are also available to guests of the hotel.