Sea Bright, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 03/26/2014 --Ama Ristorante at Driftwood, award-winning oceanfront restaurant in Sea Bright, NJ is pleased to announce the appointment of Chuck Lesbirel as Executive Chef of the award-winning, waterfront restaurant.
Chef Lesbirel has been Chef de Cuisine at Ama since the fall of 2012, when the Stavola family purchased the restaurant and moved it from Atlantic Highlands to its current location at Driftwood Cabana Club, directly on the beach in Sea Bright.
Prior to joining Ama, Lesbirel compiled an impressive resume that included positions at fine restaurants both here at the Shore and in New York City. He was Executive Chef at Raven and the Peach in Fair Haven for two years and is a former Sous Chef at David Burke Fromagerie in Rumson. Lesbirel also served as Chef Tournant at david burke & donatella in New York City, Executive Chef at Reserve Sushi and Steakhouse in Lakewood, and as a Consulting Chef at Highpoint Bistro in New York City.
The Stavola family is truly grateful to have someone of Chef Lesbirel’s ability, passion and dedication overseeing the operations of Ama’s kitchen and thanks former Executive Chef Pat Trama for his skillful direction of the kitchen for the previous 18 months.
Since opening its stunning waterfront location in 2012, Ama Ristorante has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting fine-dining restaurants at the Jersey Shore. Featuring spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River, Ama Ristorante offers an award-winning menu of both traditional and newly-imagined Italian classics in a warm and elegant setting inspired by the Tuscan countryside.
Visitors to Ama also enjoy a large, full-service bar with four flat-screen TVs; comfortable leather banquettes, and a private dining room with ocean views, a wood-burning fireplace and a hand-painted mural of a Tuscan farmhouse landscape.
In less than two years at it Sea Bright location, Ama has been recognized by local and national food reviewers and earned a Zagat rating of 25 (Food), 24 (Decor), 24 (Service). It has been named a “New and Notable Restaurant of 2013” by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and has been awarded the No. 1 Italian restaurant in 2013 by the readers of Monmouth Health & Life. In addition, already this year Ama Ristorante was named “Diners’ Choice Winner 2014” by Opentable.com’s diners.
Hours for Dinner are 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday. Complimentary Valet parking, wheelchair accessible and major credit cards accepted.
Private dining room available for up to 60 seated guests. For more information on menu and reservations, please visit www.amaristorante.com.
About Ama Ristorante
Ama Ristorante offers old country Tuscan cuisine, both simple and earthy, prepared by Chef Pat Trama's masterful and creative technique. Located at the Driftwood Cabana Club Ama's unique location in Sea Bright, New Jersey, offers diners spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River from the comfort of a rich, warm Tuscan-inspired setting. As owners of Ama Ristorante and the Driftwood Cabana Club, the Stavola family establishes the same level of character and ambiance that the members of the cabana club have enjoyed for over a half a century.
Ama Ristorante at Driftwood Announces New Executive Chef