DORADO, PUERTO RICO – Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve welcome new team members to lead its culinary program. Both timeless and historic, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve boasts an award-winning F&B program; signature restaurant COA earned Wine Spectator’s 2024 Best of Award of Excellence and an OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2024 award, as well as has been nominated for Puerto Rico’s Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2024 World Culinary Awards. This summer, the estate is proud to announce the appointment of Christian Clair as Director of Food and Beverage, Roberto Picado as Director of Beverage, and Sagar Gaikwad as Executive Sous Chef. Each leader brings a robust knowledge of and dedication to culinary excellence – an ethos that complements Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s commitment to curating a distinctive guest experience and world-class dining.
Christian Clair’s luminary career began in premier kitchens as Executive Chef. Clair led the culinary opening of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as the property transitioned to be the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in North America. His professional ascent continued as he assumed the role of Director of Food and Beverage at the Vinoy Hotel Autograph Collection. With over 16 years of experience in the Marriott International portfolio, Clair most recently oversaw St. Regis Bal Harbour as the Director of Food and Beverage. He is proud to return to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where he will spearhead operational management of the signature restaurant COA, Italian-inspired Flor de Sal, beachside Asian-fusion Posi+Ivo, and La Cocina Gourmet market and educational center.
Roberto Picado brings over 15 years of experience and a passion for oenology to his role as Director of Beverage. After working as lead bartender and sommelier across luxury hospitality concepts, Picado joined Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as Food and Beverage Supervisor in 2021, revitalizing the beverage program, nurtured vendor relationships, and developed staff training programs. Picado returns to the estate after his tenure at a wine shop in Dallas, Texas, where he cultivated a client-first culture that maximized sales. His strong leadership skills speak to his ability to ensure exceptional guest satisfaction through a dedicated staff. He looks forward to creating memorable moments for all as Director of Beverage.
Sagar Gaikwad’s Marriott International career began in 2007 as Demi Chef at Sharq Village and Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha, Qatar. He has held several roles such as Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Chef De Cuisine and Commis Chef across various Ritz-Carlton Hotels. Gaikwad’s innate versatility across his professional kitchen experience is complemented by his drive for culinary innovation and deep familiarity with The Ritz-Carlton brand. Gaikwad joins Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as Executive Sous Chef following a recent term at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. He looks forward to continuing his trajectory as an esteemed kitchen leader.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve warmly welcomes Clair, Picado, and Gaikwad. Each leader is proud to join the culinary team as the estate looks forward to a bright future.
The article Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve appoints new executive team members first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
