Operation Success:Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

Consistency, quality and creativity are key when it comes to running the robust dining operations for a successful hotel that is part of a multinational hospitality brand.

Nobody knows this better than Fabiana Torres-Murat, Executive Sous Chef at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who manages a poolside restaurant specializing in casual cuisine, a coffee shop with to-go items and baked goods, employee dining and banquet events. She is also tasked with overseeing menu planning, coordination and execution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring quality, variety, and efficiency across all operations.

Chef Fabiana emphasizes the hotel’s commitment to providing a unique culinary experience with a focus on quality and freshness, crediting General Mills Foodservice for expanding their menu with low-labor products, training and support.

“We are known for our variety of baked goods, such as muffins and pastries which we prepare daily,” said Chef Fabiana adding they use a muffin mix as the foundation for one of their signature muffins—a chocolate and cappuccino fusion, enhanced with chocolate chunks, dried fruits, and a touch of rum.

She appreciates how the versatility of the mixes has enabled her staff to experiment with different flavours and options and allow for quick preparation and easy handling. Beyond the ability to expand their menu without needing additional staff, Chef Fabiana says they’ve benefitted from increased customer satisfaction and sales of baked goods.

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“We can offer a variety of dessert and bakery options with the same equipment and working time. This not only diversifies our menu but also optimizes the use of our current staff,” said Chef Fabiana.

In addition to muffin mixes and pastry mixes, Chef Fabiana and her staff use the new BONICI® parbaked flatbread. One of her favorite applications is using the flatbread to make lamb confit canapés which she says have been a big hit among hotel guests."

“General Mills Foodservice's products are very easy to prepare and require less handling time compared to traditional recipes,” said Chef Fabiana. “For example, muffin and pastry mixes can be quickly prepared with minimal staff, which helps us save time and reduce the workload in the kitchen. Flatbread is very versatile, allowing us to perform multiple tasks with less effort.

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She adds that efficiency in the kitchen is crucial to ensure that staff can provide fast and high-quality service for their customers. Support from General Mills Foodservice—including technical support, training materials and standardized recipes—helps ensure her staff optimizes the use of its products and maintain consistent quality regardless of who prepares them. “Streamlined operations allow us to reduce costs, minimize errors, and maintain a smooth workflow,” said Chef Fabiana. “This translates into a better experience for our customers and greater overall satisfaction.”

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With her dedication to innovation and efficiency, Chef Fabiana continues to elevate the dining experience at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, ensuring guests enjoy high-quality, diverse, and delicious offerings during their stay.

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Operation Success:Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

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