Orlando’s fine dining scene is a vibrant and diverse landscape, filled with innovative chefs crafting unique culinary experiences. One local talent who has captured the gastronomic heart of Central Florida is Executive Chef Justice Placeres at Vines Grille & Wine Bar.
Born and raised in Southern California’s beautiful Newport Beach area, Placeres moved to Florida in 2004, trading the West Coast for the East, drawn by familial ties and a love for the Sunshine State. With 25 years of industry experience, Placeres has a deep understanding of the subtleties that transform a meal into an unforgettable dining adventure.
Childhood Inspirations – Fueling a Passion for Exploring Flavors
Growing up as the eldest among eight children, dining out was a rare treat for Placeres, an experience both treasured and revered. He fondly recalls savoring a plethora of South American cuisines, his parents always encouraging the siblings to expand their palates. This childhood fascination with diverse flavors has significantly influenced Placeres’s culinary style, making his creations a delight for adventurous food lovers in Orlando.
Crafting Signature Dishes – A Love Story Rooted in Louisiana
Each of Chef Placeres’s signature dishes tells a story. Consider his celebrated Blue Crab Fingers – a dish inspired by frequent trips to Louisiana with his girlfriend, Lindsay. Placeres noticed that restaurants in Louisiana often served crab claws, something not common elsewhere. Seeing Lindsay’s love for the dish, Placeres was inspired to introduce the unique delicacy to his menu at Vines Grille & Wine Bar.
Tradition vs Innovation – Navigating the Fine Line
Navigating the intricate balance between tradition and innovation is a challenge Placeres takes on with gusto. He actively participates in the tight-knit community of local chefs, exchanging ideas, tracking trends, and continually learning from the culinary world around him. This interactive approach keeps the offerings at Vines fresh, modern, and yet, deeply connected to culinary traditions.
A Commitment to Fresh and Sustainable Ingredients
Placeres’s dedication to fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients is the foundation of his culinary philosophy. His ‘Fresh Catch’ is sourced from a specialty company in Hawaii, flown in every two days to ensure unparalleled freshness. Placeres’s commitment to sustainability ensures that each dish served at Vines Grille & Wine Bar not only tantalizes the taste buds but also contributes to the global movement towards food sustainability.
Chef’s Favorites – Elevating the Palate
Of the many culinary delights on Vines’ menu, Chef Placeres’s favorites include the Grilled Whole Snapper, fire-grilled and marinated in herb-garlic, served with a flavorful chimichurri sauce, and the Lamb Lollipops, a single-chopped Australian Lamb served with beet hummus, preserved lemon, and a fennel salad.
The Vines Grille & Wine Bar’s menu also includes crowd favorites like the Famous Grilled Octopus, tenderly fire-grilled in imported Greek olive oil, served with fennel capers, red onions, and lemon, and the Award-Winning Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass, complemented with a housemade romesco sauce, charred broccolini, and a drizzle of basil oil.
Join us at Vines Grille & Wine Bar 7533 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL, 32819 and experience the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Justice Placeres. Come to see why he is a rising star in the Central Florida fine dining scene, and why Vines Grille & Wine Bar is a must-visit for all food lovers. Make reservations.
