BIG SUR, Calif. (February 25, 2025) – Alila Ventana Big Sur, an
intimate luxury retreat along the Pacific Coast Highway, announced today
the appointments of Giuseppe Marchesini as Director of Food and Beverage
and Andrew Lauer as Executive Chef. Marchesini will lead the resort’s
culinary department, overseeing menu creation, cost control, and kitchen
operations. At the same time, Lauer will manage the resort’s diverse food and
beverage outlets, including the signature restaurant, The Sur House.
Marchesini brings over 25 years of experience in fine dining and wine to
Alila Ventana Big Sur. His culinary journey began in his hometown of
Southern Italy, where he attended a prestigious hospitality school
before refining his skills at world-renowned establishments like the
Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz, Palazzo Sasso on the Amalfi Coast, Lume in
Bordeaux, Bauer Hotel in Venice, and the Grand Hotel in Rimini. He then
deepened his expertise in Rome, becoming a master sommelier,
collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs Anthony Genovese and Heinz
Beck, and evaluating wines for Gambero Rosso. Seeking new challenges,
Giuseppe moved to Toronto, where he spearheaded the opening and expansion
of Buca Osteria & Enoteca as Head Sommelier and Food and Beverage
Director, later opening his acclaimed restaurant, Il Covo. Before
Alila Ventana Big Sur, he led operations at the Forbes 5-star Meadowood
Napa Valley. With a passion for gastronomy, he’s eager to immerse
himself in the unique culinary landscape of California’s Central Coast.
Lauer brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary
excellence to his role as Executive Chef at Alila Ventana Big Sur. A
graduate of Johnson & Wales University Providence with both a Bachelors
of Culinary Arts & Food Service Management and a Masters of Business
Administration, Lauer has honed his skills in some of the world’s most
prestigious kitchens. His career has been defined by a commitment to
luxury hospitality, evident in his previous roles as Sous Chef, Chef de
Cuisine, Banquet Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Denver and Sous Chef at
the James Beard Award-winning Mercantile Dining & Provision. Chef
Lauer’s leadership style emphasizes coaching and mentorship, fostering a
collaborative and driven culinary team. He is adept at organizing and
strategizing complex operations, ensuring seamless execution and
exceptional guest experiences. Having worked alongside multiple James
Beard Award-winning chefs and Forbes Four-Star rated establishments,
Chef Lauer possesses a deep understanding of refined cuisine and
unparalleled service.
“We are delighted to welcome Giuseppe and Andrew to Alila Ventana Big
Sur,” said Matt Skaletsky, General Manager of Alila Ventana Big Sur.
“Their combined talent, passion, and dedication to their craft will
undoubtedly enhance our culinary program and create truly memorable
experiences for our guests. We are excited to see them embrace the
abundance of fresh, local ingredients available on the Central Coast and
incorporate them into innovative new menus that showcase the best of
California cuisine.”
About Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur is an iconic, luxury-inclusive property in the heart of Big Sur, along California’s rugged Central Coast. Perched at the edge of the continent overlooking the majestic Pacific, this intimate retreat features 54 guest rooms, suites and villas, Spa Alila, two pools with outdoor Japanese hot baths, The Sur House restaurant, and 12,000 square feet of expansive outdoor/indoor event and meeting space surrounded by the stunning beauty of Big Sur. Among 160 acres of rolling meadows, towering redwoods, and ocean views, guests can indulge in complimentary Signature Activities such as fitness classes, daily guided nature walks, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and nightly s’mores at Social House. The resort’s Alila Experience Program offers one-of-a-kind mind, body, and soul experiences, including falconry, wild foraging hikes, photography and clay workshops, and a variety of immersive hiking excursions. For more information, visit ventanabigsur.com. Follow Alila Ventana Big Sur on Facebook at VentanaBigSur and Instagram @VentanaBigSur.
