Panama City Beach, FL Resort Wins Culinary Award

    /24-7PressRelease/ - PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL, June 27, 2008 - The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Hotel in Panama City Beach, Florida is not only the home to acclaimed Chef Julio Lucero, but home to an award winning culinary team as well.

As a native of Sonora, Mexico, Chef Julio Lucero received a degree in industrial engineering before looking to expand his horizons by emigrated to the United States in 1986, where he decided to pursue his passion of the culinary arts. Chef Lucero perfected his craft by working in every area of kitchen operations.

Chef Lucero's background as a chef includes assisting in opening and operating the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Palm Springs. After ten years with Renaissance, Chef Lucero took on the next challenge to become the Executive Sous Chef of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. In 2003 he was promoted to an Executive Chef position to open the new Seville Golf and Country Club, in Gilbert, Arizona, where he continued to build his knowledge of various cuisines. In 2007 Chef Lucero returned to the Emerald Coast along with his wife and two sons to become the Executive Chef at the Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort and Spa.

Since starting at this luxury Panama City Beach hotel, the culinary team has won Marriott's "Best in Class in Quality of Food" award. Finishing 6th out of 343 Marriott hotels and second out of all Marriott resorts, the Bay Point Marriott's culinary team has become a world-class and award-winning team.

With five distinctive Panama City Beach restaurants at the hotel on top of room service and banquet catering, this Florida hotel boasts everything from fresh seafood overlooking St. Andrew's Bay at 30 Degrees Blue, to Limes which features beach music and frozen drinks, Bay Point Marriott has it all. So, getaway and escape to the lovely and tropical Marriott hotel and discover a sizzling summer destination complete with delectable dining and creative cuisine.

About Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Framed by palm trees, sandy beaches, and a 1,100 acre wildlife sanctuary, guests will delight in the tropical atmosphere of this picturesque resort in Panama City Beach, Florida boasting 316 luxurious guest rooms and 78 spacious Golf Villas. Savor the delicious regional cuisine and fresh seafood at the award-winning 30 Degree Blue, one of four premier Panama City resort restaurants at Bay Point Marriott. Business engagements and social gatherings come alive in 40,000 square feet of stunning, flexible event space. Two championship golf courses call this lovely Panama City Beach, FL resort home, including the esteemed Nicklaus-designed masterpiece. Discover tranquility at the lavish 12,000 square foot Serenity Spa and retreat to Marriott's exquisite Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach, FL for a peaceful escape. For more information or to make a reservation, call 850-236-6000 or visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/pfnbp.

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