New menu, chef and Leesburg native refresh historic resort's dining experience

You could call it a renaissance. Or as the Spanish say, renacimiento .

A recently appointed executive chef and new food/beverage director at the century-plus-old Mission Resort + Club — Howey-in-the-Hills' Iberian-inspired resort and golf/sporting club — are working toward bringing a more diverse clientele to enjoy its dining and amenities.

During a recent visit to the Mediterranean-revival getaway in southwest Lake County, hotel spokesperson George McNeilly said he wants to get the word out about one of the Mission's four restaurants, La Margarita , and its new menu .

He also wants to remind us about the Mission's casual dining near the golf course, the spa , Nicker's Clubhouse as well as the resort's daily breakfast and elegant Sunday brunch at La Hacienda .

"It's such a tranquil place to make a evening, staycation or getaway," he emphasized.

The elegant, 500-plus-acre resort known for its rolling hills, orange groves and lakes. Its origins go back to the early 20th century, and the property area draws golf enthusiasts, fishermen and eco-tourists to its rolling hills with 85-foot elevation changes.

Mark your calendar: Starting Aug. 16, the restaurant will participate in Magical Dining 2024 promoted by Visit Orlando to Disney and central Florida visitors. The series features different restaurants and La Margarita will offer a $40 prix fixe menu including appetizer, main course and dessert, through Sept. 30. Visit missionresortandclub.com/dining/la-margarita to check out the menu.

Fresh flavors and fresh new talent at La Margarita

Mission Resort + Club's new executive chef Charles Anderson says he prioritizes creativity, quality, collaboration and a dedication to staying current with culinary trends.

In person, he exhibits a joyful spirit and eagerness that emanates from his dishes and starters' exuberant flavors and pleasing presentation.

“I’m thrilled to grow in my culinary and leadership skills with a team who continues to inspire me,” he said during a recent tasting of La Margarita's new menu.

Chef Anderson brings more than 25 years of experience to resort at 10400 County Road 48.

The new chef's philosophy is rooted in creativity, quality and teamwork, paired with a fierce dedication to staying current with culinary trends.

"His leadership in the kitchen fosters an environment brimming with collaboration and precision, resulting in a remarkable dining experience for each guest," said general manager Cindy Staley.

I cannot wait to elevate and evolve our resort’s dining offerings, drawing inspiration from seasonal ingredients and local produce.”

Originally from Leesburg, James Pyles, has been described by the resort's spokesperson as a seasoned hospitality professional with a career spanning fine dining concepts and large luxury resorts. He joins the resort as its new food and beverage director and brings a resume of noteworthy experience.

At Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort, he oversaw a $25 million department where he demonstrated his adept leadership in a high-volume setting. Before that, he served as managing partner and general manager at Maple & Ash in Chicago, the fourth-highest revenue-generating eatery in the country during his tenure.

"James’ track record proves a keen ability to drive growth, further demonstrated at renowned properties like South Seas Island Resort and The Don CeSar," Staley added.

The GM at the resort hopes that her new hires will contribute to an "era of culinary growth at Mission Resort,” said Cindy Staley, general manager of Mission Resort + Club.

Pyles earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida and is a certified sommelier with accreditation from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

A landmark with deep local history

Well before MMI Hospitality Group took over the Mission Resort + Club in 2023 , the resort's history goes back as far as 108 years ago, when William J. Howey, namesake of Howey-in-the-Hills , the citrus magnate and developer of the town, bought and developed the resort's land in central Florida and surrounding scenic area.

To attract investors and visitors, Howey hired Chicago-based golf course architect George O'Neil, to design an 18-hole golf course.

Howey began promoting the links as the Howey Golf Club in 1916, though the course officially opened in 1917.  After a decade of use, Capt. Charles E. Clarke of Troon, Scotland, was brought in to rework and update the golf course.

Over the years, the golf club was also known as the Chain-O’-Lakes Golf Course, Bougainvillea Golf Club and the Floridan Country Club.

Illinois-based investor Nick Beucher purchased the club in 1964, which had fallen into disrepair, according to MMI’s website.

In 2009, the El Campeόn golf course, which means “the Champion” was awarded the Florida Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association. El Campeόn has been the site for many tournaments, including NCAA events, the Florida State High School Championships, and 11 collegiate championships.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: New menu, chef and Leesburg native refresh historic resort's dining experience