The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, announced that Okan Kızılbayır has been appointed as Chef d ‘Cuisine at AAA Five-Diamond Salt Restaurant. In this new role, Kızılbayır stated that he looks forward to continuing to transform the dining and guest experience at the restaurant. The chef will partner with the resort’s talented Executive Chef Garrett Gooch and Executive Pastry Chef Sheldon Millett to update menus and dishes for guests throughout the year.

“Chef Okan’s experience working with Eric Ripert in a restaurant that consistently ranks internationally in the top 20, will be an inspiration for everyone,” says Gooch. “His joining our team will only add to the unique, legendary culinary experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, that are known to create memories of a lifetime.”

Kızılbayır previously served as Sous Chef in 3 Michelin-starred seafood restaurant Le Bernardin, led by Eric Ripert, in Manhattan. Before Le Bernardin, Okan was Ripert’s Sous Chef at Blue by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where he was integrally involved in the creation of the restaurant’s renowned fish-centric menu.