Acclaimed St. Augustine Chef Relocates Michael’s Fine Dining to Vilano Beach

Chef Michael Lugo is relocating his celebrated St. Augustine restaurant, Michael's, from its historic downtown location to the Hyatt Place in Vilano Beach. The move comes after 20 years of operation at 25 Cuna Street, where Michael's has been a cornerstone of fine dining.

Lugo, the executive chef and owner of Viva Hospitality restaurant group, is known for other ventures like Pesca Vilano and La Nouvelle. His culinary journey began in Texas and Florida, inspired by his Puerto Rican roots and his grandmother's love for cooking.

The relocation offers many benefits, including a modern kitchen, ample space for wine storage, and a more suitable venue for Lugo’s renowned chef’s table experience. The original Michael's location faced challenges due to the 18th-century building’s infrastructure, frequent flooding, and parking issues, which Lugo believes will be resolved with this move.

Michael Lugo's Background

Lugo’s career as a self-taught chef is rooted in the family traditions of Puerto Rican cuisine, primarily influenced by his grandmother. He has gained substantial experience, working his way up through kitchens across Texas and Florida. In 2006, he opened Michael's, originally known as The Tasting Room, which has since earned multiple awards, including Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence. His latest venture, Pesca Vilano, focuses on Puerto Rican-inspired rooftop dining, adding to his fine-dining legacy in St. Augustine.

A Transformative Move for Michael’s

The relocation to Vilano Beach’s Hyatt Place allows Lugo to overcome operational difficulties posed by the historic building and create an even more refined experience for diners. The modern space will accommodate a more extensive wine library and provide an updated, luxurious dining setting with breathtaking views, helping solidify Michael’s legacy in Florida’s fine dining scene.

My Final Thoughts

The move to Vilano Beach represents an exciting new chapter for Michael's, blending the charm of fine dining with modern facilities. This relocation ensures that Chef Lugo can continue offering the top-tier dining experience his guests have come to expect, with added comfort and convenience. While the historic charm of the old location will be missed, the advantages of the new space will likely enhance both the operational side and the dining experience.

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