Jonathan, who doubles as the lodge chef, was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where he attended Florida International University. At Florida International University he studied under and was a teaching assistant for Chef Michael Moran (Chef to royalty), studied hotel management under Marcel Esscofier, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality focused on hotel and restaurant management while graduating summa cum laude.

Jon has worked in some great restaurants, but thanks to his involvement with the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, while as a student and alumni year after year, he has had the pleasure of working alongside some of the most recognized food personalities in the world, including Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Flay, Aaron Sanchez, Mary Sue Milliken, Rachel Ray, Susan Feniger and Tyler Florence just to name a few.

Originally from Queens, New York, Elana moved to Florida in her early twenties which is where she and Jon met, at a restaurant no less. She hails from a long line of Chef’s, Butchers, Bakers, and Winemakers, so this industry comes naturally to her.

She has a background in fine dining, has worked in restaurants her entire adult life, and has also served at the exclusive international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Food & Wine Organization. In the off-season they love to travel and immerse themselves in different cultures, but especially the cuisines.

Jon and Elana’s love for all things food and drink can only be trumped by one thing, well two actually; their Lodge Kitties, Chad & Cosmo. You can read their bios below.