Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs specializing in fresh, organic cuisine, has hired David Robbins as chef de cuisine for Harvest & Wisdom, the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, set to open soon.
Robbins will work with Executive Chef Allen Fisher to train and supervise staff, as well as inspect and select only the freshest fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, fowl and other food products. Robbins comes to Harvest & Wisdom with more than 15 years of experience including most recently as consulting executive chef, director of food and beverage at Society, Fort Myers. He has also worked at Crave Culinaire; Stonebridge Country Club; The Dutch in the W Hotel & Residences in South Beach; Blue Hill at Stone Farms, rated one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2017; Malabar in Lima, Peru, where he collaborated with Chef Pedro Miguel Schiffiano, owner of two restaurants on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants; Mereday’s Fine Dining; Naples Grande Resort and Fiddler’s Creek Club and Spa.
“We are excited to add David to the team of Harvest & Wisdom,” said Fisher. “His passion for creating the freshest product for our guests fits well with our plans for the restaurant and Shangri-La Springs.”
Robbins was featured chef and lecturer at ECHO Farms international Food Festival, and featured chef at Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival 2018 and 2019. Robbins grew up in Waimea, Hawaii, and developed a passion for ecology working on his family’s flower and lei business and all-natural produce farm. He moved to Florida as a teenager and got a degree in cultural ecology at Florida Gulf Coast University.
“Working with communities and ecosystems in a sustainable format truly is a win for everyone,” he said.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs currently offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The property specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Renovations to the hotel property are underway, with the restaurant opening during the summer. . Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.