The Westin Tampa Bay was strategic when acquiring Saravanan Appadurai as Executive Chef of Palmette Brasserie and Bar, the hotel’s signature waterfront restaurant, which opened its doors on January 28th, 2026. With nearly 20 years of culinary experience in the Caribbean and eight years in the Florida market, Chef Appadurai brings a refined, French-inspired coastal sensibility to one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting new dining destinations.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - March 23rd, 2026 -

Meet the Executive Chef Behind The Westin Tampa Bay’s Palmette Brasserie and Bar 

Executive Chef Saravanan Appadurai’s Start in the Cayman Islands, Decades of Caribbean Luxury Experience, and Ritz Carlton Background Elevate Rocky Point’s Newest Waterfront Dining Destination

TAMPA, Fla. (March 23rd, 2026) –  The Westin Tampa Bay was strategic when acquiring Saravanan Appadurai as Executive Chef of Palmette Brasserie and Bar, the hotel’s signature waterfront restaurant, which opened its doors on January 28th, 2026. With nearly 20 years of culinary experience in the Caribbean and eight years in the Florida market, Chef Appadurai brings a refined, French-inspired coastal sensibility to one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting new dining destinations.

Palmette Brasserie and Bar offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience set against the backdrop of Tampa Bay. Drawing on French brasserie techniques and Florida’s exceptional seasonal seafood, the restaurant delivers a menu that celebrates the flavors of the Gulf Coast with an elegant, cosmopolitan touch. Guests can expect fresh flavors, polished presentations, and the warm hospitality for which The Westin Tampa Bay is known.

“At Palmette Brasserie and Bar, we focus on coastal flavors, premium steaks, and fresh, seasonal ingredients,” said Chef Appadurai, “My experience in luxury hotels and resorts shaped my approach to balancing creativity with guest expectations. Every dish is a reflection of this place; the water, the produce, the Gulf.”

Chef Appadurai began his culinary career in the Cayman Islands, where he developed a deep foundation in seafood preparation that would define his career. His nearly two decades working across Caribbean resorts and luxury hotel kitchens honed a mastery of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and refined French technique. Most recently an Executive Chef with The Ritz-Carlton, he brings both the exacting standards of that iconic brand and an intimate understanding of the Gulf’s seasonal bounty to the Palmette kitchen. 

The Palmette menu showcases the best of the Gulf, anchored by standout seafood dishes including their Pan-Seared Snapper with saffron tomato broth, vegetables di Provence, and cipollini onions, as well as Pappardelle with Florida rock shrimp, fennel, San Marzano tomato, basil, and pecorino Romano. The kitchen’s range extends to crowd-favorite brasserie pizzas made in their signature pizza oven, among them a Cuban sandwich-inspired pizza that has already earned devoted fans. There is something for everyone on the menu, including favorites like their Mojo-Marinated Steak Frites, a Roasted Beet Salad with fresh goat cheese and crispy watermelon radish, and the classic Palmette Burger.

For those dining at breakfast, the Coconut-Crusted French Toast is already generating buzz as a must-order. The hand-breaded Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Banana Foster Cheesecake round out a menu designed to delight at every occasion.

Complementing the kitchen’s ambition is a bar program built around handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients and premium spirits. A curated selection of beers provides additional depth for those seeking the perfect pairing with their meal or a relaxed drink on the waterfront patio.

For Chef Appadurai, Palmette represents the culmination of a career spent chasing the perfect intersection of place and plate, from the turquoise waters of the Cayman Islands to the sun-drenched coast of Florida. His deep respect for seasonal ingredients, command of French technique, and genuine love for Gulf Coast flavors make him exactly the kind of chef this restaurant was built for. Tampa Bay diners would do well to pay attention. Palmette Brasserie and Bar is open now at The Westin Tampa Bay. If Chef Appadurai’s track record is any indication, the best is very much still to come.

Reservations for Palmette Brasserie and Bar can be made through OpenTable. For additional details, visit Palmette's website or contact (813) 675-8700.

PALMETTE BRASSERIE AND BAR: Palmette is a modern brasserie and bar with a relaxed, tropical atmosphere inspired by Florida’s breezy waterfront lifestyle. Featuring indoor and outdoor dining, a lively bar that opens seamlessly to the patio, and panoramic water views, Palmette combines thoughtful design, coastal flavors, and approachable classics to create a vibrant dining destination. Located at 7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL 33607, Palmette is designed to be both a local favorite and a destination for visitors seeking an elevated waterfront dining experience. palmettetampa.com |  813.281.0000 | Instagram: @palmettetampa | Facebook: Palmette Brasserie and Bar

THE WESTIN TAMPA BAY: The Westin Tampa Bay is a premier 4 Star hotel located in the Westshore Business District, offering modern accommodations, wellness-inspired amenities, and scenic waterfront views. The property has recently completed a transformative renovation to enhance guest experiences and elevate its standing as a top destination for travel and events. 7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL 33607 | (813) 281-0000

PYRAMID GLOBAL HOSPITALITY: Pyramid Global Hospitality was formed by the 2021 merger of three hotel and resort management companies, creating the most owner-focused, experiential company in the industry and establishing a position as a best workplace. The organization’s global portfolio spans more than 240 properties across the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. It maintains offices in Boston; The Woodlands, Texas; Cincinnati; and London. For more information, visit www.PyramidGlobal.com 

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 at lisa@evolveandco.com or 727.490.9835.

###