Ladera Resort First to Introduce New Restaurant Technology in the Caribbean

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This October, Olivier Bottois, Vice President of Operations of Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia will introduce a ticketed dining system at Dasheene, the lauded restaurant for Caribbean food lovers. The new system will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean, offering a unique opportunity to buy one of the six most coveted tables for an evening at the island's only restaurant that features unobstructed views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. For the first time, patrons not staying at the resort will be able to secure in advance one of the most highly sought-after tables in Saint Lucia. Guests purchasing a table will enjoy a romantic and leisurely evening of uninterrupted bliss at Dasheene, with plenty of time to linger and savor local cuisine while taking in stunning views of the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Caribbean Sea.

The new system will be open for booking on October 10, for reservations beginning December 1. The starting price of $135 USD per person includes the most prime seats in Saint Lucia, a five-course locally inspired tasting menu designed exclusively for these tables by the restaurant's Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel (excluding alcohol, service charge and VAT). Tickets can be purchased for these tables seven nights a week and accommodate between two to four diners; the table is theirs the entire evening.

"After recently dining at Alinea in Chicago and experiencing Nick Kokonas' table ticketing system, I was inspired to create our own version at Ladera," said Olivier Bottois, Ladera's Vice President of Operations. "The tables at Dasheene are highly requested and this was the perfect solution to make sure that guests, visitors to the destination and locals are able to have the full experience of dining at a table with the best view on island and fully enjoy their meal, the scenery and the ambiance of the resort."

Bottois has introduced innovative and successful restaurant concepts in the past. During his role at the Four Seasons Atlanta he created and implemented the "Dim Sum Brunch," a menu that included southern inspired small plates meant for sharing, and while at The Whiteface Lodge he introduced "Local Wednesdays," a program that gave the local community access to the hotel's restaurant for a preferred rate. Table ticketing concepts have proven successful by a handful of top restaurants in the United States. Ladera and Dasheene hope that by introducing this system, they will create a solution to allow guests on-island to experience an evening of one-of-a-kind dining at one of six tables with incomparable Caribbean views. The new system will streamline the reservations process, requiring a prepayment, thus minimizing cancellations and alleviating wait time to create the opportunity for an even higher level of personalized service at the already exclusive resort.

Dasheene has been known as a destination for the best Caribbean cuisine on island over thirty years. The restaurant features an outstanding authentic local creole menu that changes daily. Native Saint Lucian Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel creates specialty recipes nightly, using secret blends of local seasonings and herbs to complement flavors of freshly caught seafood, including award-winning shrimp Dasheene, a standout and favorite dish among guests.

Fall rates at Ladera are from $450 USD per night, double occupancy. For more information or reservations please visit www.ladera.com or call 866-290-0978 or 758-459-6618.

About Ladera
Ladera, located 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea directly between the Piton Mountains, was once one of Soufriere's oldest and most famous cocoa plantations and transformed in 1982 into the unique resort it is today. Taking full advantage of its natural surroundings, Ladera offers a distinctive design in guest accommodations with its "open wall" concept. The west side of all 37 suites and villas is left open to expose the breathtaking views while maintaining complete privacy. The suites are constructed of tropical hardwoods, stone and tile, furnished with 19^th century French furniture or replicas, wicker and accessories crafted by local artisans. Ladera also offers a "platinum-level" experience with the addition of Paradise Ridge, a new collection of four suites and one villa blended into the northern edge of the property. All units are decorated with local artwork and feature magnificent views of the Piton Mountains and Caribbean Sea.

SOURCE Ladera Resort