Vandeilson Santi has been appointed the new executive chef of The Langlands Hotel.
The Brazilian national, better known as Santi, will take over the role later this month. He will direct the food creation across the hotel’s portfolio which includes the recently opened fusion restaurant, Meld.
The experienced chef is eagerly anticipating starting his dream role.
“The executive chef role really appealed to me as it’s a combination of hotel kitchen operations and fusion cuisine which I’m passionate about,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to create beautiful food and a fun dining experience for our guests,’’ Santi said.
Santi has recently returned to New Zealand after a stint back in his home country, where he headed the Pontes Hotels and Resorts group as Corporate Executive Chef, overseeing the food delivery across three hotels. He has strong experience in high end offerings, having held positions at Arbour Restaurant (Marlborough) and Cable Bay Vineyards (Waiheke Island).
The Langlands executive manager, Bryan Townley, said he was pleased with the calibre of applicants for the role and was delighted to appoint Santi following a robust recruitment process.
“Santi comes to us highly recommended. We are thrilled to have someone with his varied experience on board to lead the team,” he said.
The talented chef has enjoyed a career across the globe, working in renowned restaurants, such as Astrid & Gaston, La juella and EURO Bar and Restaurant. He has experience with hotel kitchen operations through well-known hotel brands, Marriot and Millennium.
ILT chief executive Chris Ramsay was delighted with Santi’s appointment.
“Since opening, we have had nothing but positive feedback about the food offerings across The Langlands. We look forward to welcoming Santi to the ILT family and to him building on the excellent start that has been made,” he said.
Santi will move to Invercargill, from Queenstown, with his partner Suellane.
Whilst Chef Santi has no immediate plans to change the menu, guests can expect to see some influence from South American, Italian, Asian and Spanish cuisine in future menu creation.
