Rosario Corrao

Rosario CorraoRosario Corrao, Executive Chef“Wellness is the lifestyle of the future, and good food is the fuel that will get us there,” says Rosario Corrao, Executive Chef of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, on the mission that drives him and the rewards he cooks up for guests. As the resort’s new Executive Chef, Corrao oversees all culinary operations at the Atlantic beachfront address on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach – and he brings a lengthy menu of experience to the task.Born on the island of Capri overlooking the Bay of Naples and the coast of Italy beyond, Corrao gained early inspiration from the sunny climate and culture of the Mediterranean that surrounded him. Key to that culture is cuisine: Corrao believes the diet and lifestyle of the region are among the healthiest in the world. He points to the “blue zone” of Sardinia, where people tend to live much longer than average, as illustrative of the benefits of a diet rich in grains, fruits and vegetables, and light on added sugar. As such, Corrao loves to incorporate fresh seafood into his dishes, paying homage to his hometown and Miami Beach, both of which lie along coasts where local fish can be easily sourced. Indeed, the chef insists upon only using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients he can find. “It’s a habit I’m in no hurry to break,” he says with a laugh. Along with designing menus and sourcing ingredients for the resort’s two dining outlets – The Strand and Seaglass Café – as well as for in-suite dining, Corrao also hires, trains, and manages the kitchen brigade; minds budgets and finances; and ensures memorable experiences at the table for guests. Corrao joined Carillon Miami Wellness Resort from Fi'lia South Beach at Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel in Miami, where he was Executive Chef. Previously, he was with BICE Group, serving as Corporate Executive Chef for the renowned Italian restaurant company for 12 years, which saw him leading culinary operations for concepts including Domus Italian Restaurant in Boca Raton, and Miami-based outlets including Limoncello Italian Restaurant, Bolognese Ristorante, Pelican Café, Locanda Sibilla, Nine Restaurant, Cardoza Restaurant Sushi Bar & Grill, and Seafood Café on Ocean. He also did turns as Consulting Chef for Puntino Ristorante Italiano and local catering outfits while serving as Chef de Cuisine for Escopazzo Italian Fine Dining in Miami. During his time at Escopazzo, Corrao planned and executed a special Wine Lover's Dinner at the James Beard Foundation, which later helped the dining establishment receive an award for the Best Italian in Miami from 2003 – 2004. Originally certified as a Master Chef by the Culinary Arts Institute, Ippolito Cavalcanti in Naples, Italy, Corrao is now right at home along the Atlantic in Miami Beach. It’s the perfect spot to indulge his love of nature, he says. “My favorite way to stay active is swimming. When I look out from the kitchen, the beach and the ocean are all I see.”