Diners Swooning Over Red Snapper, Curried Chicken, Creole Shrimp, Oxtail
TAMPA BAY, FLA (October 21st, 2022) – Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas new Executive Chef, Malachi Romney, brings the heat and seasonal dishes to WTR Grill. We sat down with Chef Romney to learn more about his history as a chef, his new dishes, and hobbies.
Meet Executive Chef Malachi Romney | WTR Grill Menu
What’s your history as a chef?
I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, I went to a French culinary school and did my undergrad at Iowa State.
How would you describe your style?
My style is mostly rustic with a remote passion to it, international with a little rustic to it.
Why did you choose The Godfrey as your next place to work?
I was working for Baystar and wanted a bigger challenge. One of my friends worked at The Godfrey and was trying to get me to work here for the past 8 years. He said they’re looking to do something new with their new ownership and thought my style would work well with the company.
What changes have you made to the menu?
I wanted to add healthier options. I’ve added homemade hummus, homemade flatbread, and added calamari.
What makes it unique/ different?
Everything is made fresh daily. The flatbreads are made fresh all day every day, if I run out, I run out.
What seasonal dishes are on the menu?
The seasonal veggie medley since zucchini’s are in season. Our big seller right now is what I call my ‘ex-girlfriend flatbread,’ the Shrimp Bianca Flatbread. I also have a Margherita Flatbread. I did my own special ricotta spread, seasoned the tomatoes with dried basil, oregano, and fresh mint. Then I roast it and drizzle some balsamic reduction over the top. To finish it I add chiffonade basil on top. It’s very refreshing and light. If you’re looking for something light I think the Margherita Flatbread is for you.
What is your favorite item on the menu?
I give my heart to the Reggae on the WTR menu. I put a few international dishes on that menu such as fish and chips with fresh island fish (Red Snapper), deep fried in a little bit of milk with a tempura crust. Then I have some oxtail, curried chicken, and creole shrimp. I get to put my heart into this menu and be in the kitchen cooking it myself.
Tell us about the holiday menu.
Ooh my holiday menu! My holiday menu ranges from a whole roasted pork to a lamb leg, bone-in ribeye roast, and whole smoked salmon. You’ll also find little holiday items like smoked ham and turkey leg. I’m trying to keep it simple but good.
What do you want the public to know?
Something about me that not many people know, on my days off I go flying! People ask me, you really go flying? Yeah, every Monday and Tuesday. So if I’m not at work I’m actually flying. I have my pilot’s license and a small plane. I’m trying to move up and get my helicopter license and my jet license. I’ve always had the passion for flying but flying costs money so I decided to do my other passion, cooking, as a job. My cooking paid for my flying lessons. Cooking was always a hobby for me and a passion at the same time. That’s why I put my heart out with every dish I serve because I keep my food at such a high standard. In my kitchen, if it’s not sexy, I don’t serve it!
Describe your best selling dishes on the menu; The Shrimp Bianca Flatbread and the Calamari
Tell Us More About your Reggae on the WTR Menu
GODFREY HOTEL & CABANAS: The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa’s resort-style property is nestled among the lush tropical grounds at the edge of Tampa Bay and is conveniently located in close proximity to Tampa International Airport, the Westshore office market and downtown Tampa. The expansive property boasts a heated outdoor pool, 3200 sq. ft. pier with stunning sunset views and private event space, fitness center, and 7,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. The 276-room hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, 42’’ flat screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-refrigerators and expansive space to relax. Every guest room also comes with a private balcony offering sweeping views of Tampa’s skyline and breathtaking sunset views. http://www.godfreyhoteltampa.com/
WTR POOL & GRILL: Offering Tampa Bay’s utmost majestic waterfront views, WTR Pool & Grill is a 20,000 square foot indoor & outdoor bayside/poolside multi-use venue; a contemporary and casual setting serving the freshest local seafood and classic American dishes. The restaurant, WTR Grill, serves lunch, sunset dinners and late-night bites on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. https://www.wtrtampa.com/ IG: @wtrtampa | FB: @wtrtampa
EVOLVE & CO: Evolve & Co is a full-service advertising agency located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is a collective of brand strategists and creatives, specializing in the lifestyle vertical. The firm is located at 475 Central Avenue Suite M7, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.evolveandco.com
Editors: For details, or to schedule an interview contact Lisa Williams lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.
