Page 10 - VIRNA 2017 JAN-MAR

What’s new is that today’s foodies, locavores,
and Food Network–savvy diners are hungry for
more than just a good meal. So a growing number
of timeshare resort restaurants are treating guests
to the culinary experience they crave. Menus tell a
story about homegrown and locally sourced ingre-
dients and innovative flavor combinations. Chefs
come out of the kitchen to demonstrate their
techniques and answer questions. Dinner plates
are showcased on Facebook and Instagram.
“A couple of years ago, if you wanted to serve
somebody tuna carpaccio, they would say, ‘I don’t
eat bait,’” laughs Jeroen Hanlo, vice president
of food and beverage operations for Karisma
Hotels & Resorts. “That’s all changed. People are
open to being experimental. They like trying
different things.”
Blame it onwhat’s being called the “Experience
Economy.” Today’s vacationers have an appetite
for participation and connection. According to a
study by Eventbrite, a global ticketing and events
marketplace, the experiential diner is driven by
the desire to be immersed in a unique culinary
concept — a memorable location (76 percent),
a surprising menu or theme (84 percent), or a one-
of-a-kind experience (74 percent) — and three out
of four are willing to pay more for it.
That’s where things start to get interesting.
Sure, vacation owners love their
kitchens, but eating out has always
been a favorite thing to do when
traveling. Nearly 70 percent of
Interval’s U.S. members surveyed
in 2015 said having a restaurant
on-site was important.
RESORT RESTAURANTS
Reimagined
JANUARY – MARCH 2017 RESORTDEVELOPER.COM VACATION INDUSTRY REVIEW
An Appetite for
Out-of-the-Ordinary
Dining BY JOYCE HADLEY COPELAND
ABOVE: Great food, great service, and a great sense of place are the ingredients that have earned awards and accolades for Edge Steakhouse at Westgate Park City
Resort and Spa. BELOW: Artful dishes are visual and sensual masterpieces designed to surprise and delight at Karisma’s Le Chique restaurant at Azul Sensatori
Mexico, a Gourmet Inclusive Hotel in the Riviera Maya.