Chef Chris Edwards leaves 1921 Mount Dora for Capa at Four Seasons Orlando | Orlando

click to enlarge

Faiyaz Kara

Chef Chris Edwards

After nearly four years at the helm of one of Central Florida’s finest restaurants, Chris Edwards is leaving his position as executive chef at 1921 Mount Dora to join Capa Steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Edwards replaced Josh Oakley in November 2020 at the Lake County Restaurant, where Camilo Velasco and Norman Van Aken also ran the kitchen. But during Edwards’ tenure, the restaurant felt like its most complete version (“At 1921 Mount Dora, food imitates art”).

Edwards will take over head chef duties at Capa after Malyna Si left the chic Spanish steakhouse last month for a culinary sabbatical in Spain.

“I’ve had an incredible time at 1921 over the last three and a half years, building relationships within our industry and with our local farmers,” says Edwards. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my career where I can hone my craft and develop new techniques at Capa with Fabrizio Schenardi (the executive chef at Four Seasons Resort Orlando).”

The appeal of the Michelin Guide may also have been a factor in Edwards’ departure – that year Capa received and retained its one-star rating, while in 1921 it was spurned because of its location in Lake County. Since the rationale of the Michelin Guide is to promote motor tourism and to honor motorists out of the way Restaurants makes the disregard all the more stupid.

Edwards’ first day at Capa will be July 8.

click to enlarge

Photo courtesy

Chef Brenton Hillman

Meanwhile, 1921 co-owner Larry Baker has tapped Brenton Hillman to replace Edwards. The veteran chef headed the kitchen at the nearby Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge for 21 years, but now has the opportunity to showcase his culinary skills at a venue as high-profile as 1921.

“My role is to create a creative and collaborative atmosphere and help the incredibly talented team around me flex their muscles,” says Hillman.

While Hillman realizes he has big shoes to fill, he says he’s looking forward to working with many of these amazing farms to develop a menu that’s ingredient-driven and chef-driven.

“We will focus on everything that has been a staple of the house since its launch in 1921,” he says, “and build on the amazing heritage of food that has come out of this kitchen.”

Follow @1921mountdora and @fsorlando for the latest information.

Subscribe to Orlando’s weekly newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Þjórsárden | or subscribe to our RSS feed