Did you know there is a new menu and new chef at Aurora at The Celeste Hotel in East Orlando?
Located at 4105 N Alafaya Trail right on UCF Campus, Aurora is known for its emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced food, colorful flavors, stunning ambiance, and refined service.
With the departure of chef Mike Trudnak, Aurora’s new executive chef Ibis Lopez had some big shoes to fill.
At the Celeste, Lopez now oversees the culinary service operations at Aurora, in addition to planning and executing food and beverage service for meetings, corporate events, local catering functions, and special occasions in the hotel’s indoor and outdoor event space.
Chef Ibis Lopez comes with more than a decade of culinary and hospitality experience at establishments including the Hyatt Grand Cypress and the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, an international network of hospitality and culinary schools teaching French haute cuisine, Lopez focused on hospitality management, culinary arts, and gastronomy.
The biggest question is – has chef Lopez been able to meet the expectations?
I think we can now say confidently, absolutely yes.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Lopez was greatly influenced by his grandfather, a passionate home cook who grew fruits and vegetables, raised chickens, pigs and rabbits. His grandfather also created a variety of coconut desserts for which he became renowned for on the east side of the island.
A lot of these influences can be seen in the new menu – from the tamarind mango bbq pork belly appetizer to the coconut dessert surprise. Not only are these creations delicious with delicately balanced flavors, but they also have a gorgeous presentation to them.
Read along for a sneak peek at their recently debuted new menu which is available to order now at Aurora.
Inside Look at the New Menu at Aurora at The Celeste Hotel
Coconut ceviche (gf)
Local seafood | Florida citrus | Fresno Chile
plantain chips
Pork belly
Mango slaw | tamarind bbq
Heirloom tomato salad (GF)
Local tomatoes | burrata | red onion puree
Aged balsamic caviar
Wedge salad (gf)
Iceberg lettuce | bacon jam | SEASONAL VEG
dill ranch dressing
Diver scallops (gf)
Parsnip puree | charred mustard greens | Hazelnut Gremolata
Wagyu coulotte (gf)
Boniato hash | house peppercorn sauce
Coconut Dessert
Specialty cocktails
Visit soon!
Aurora at The Celeste Hotel, Orlando, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
4105 N Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826
407-207-4700
Experience Magical Dining Month at the Aurora at the Celeste Hotel
August 18 – Oct 1st
The Aurora at the Celeste Hotel is proud to participate in the VisitOrlando’s Magical Dining Month. Enjoy three-course, prix-fixe dinners of modern American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced food and the inspiring culinary genius of our chefs. for more information, visit – https://www.magicaldining.com/listing/aurora/50615/
