Executive Chef Kicks Off New Phase of Alhambra Improvements & Expansion

In an all-staff meeting before yesterday's final dress rehearsal, Alhambra Theatre & Dining managing partner, Craig Smith, introduced the entire 72-person team to its newest member, Executive Chef DeJuan Roy. When the Alhambra opens My Fair Lady to the public tonight (Wednesday, October 19), Smith will introduce Chef DeJuan - and yet another new era - to the Theatre's loyal patrons. After two years of having the food essentially catered by renowned chef Matthew Medure, the Alhambra will once again have its food prepared in its own kitchen -newly renovated and designed by Chef DeJuan. The Alhambra's new executive chef is also bringing with him his own staff, including Sous Chef Christine Seely and Pastry Chef Cheryl Sheppard.

"This was our plan from the very beginning," statEd Smith. He added, "Chef Matthew Medure has been a wonderful addition to our Alhambra family and without his culinary skill, his creativity and his leadership, the Alhambra as it is today - reborn and vibrant - would certainly never have happened. Matthew is a close, personal friend of mine. He made a commitment to our success based on that friendship and sharing in the long term vision we all have for this wonderful place. Our intent always was for Matthew to help us right the ship, and then help us transition to an internal team with a real kitchen of our own."

Smith added, "Bringing in Chef DeJuan is the right thing to do at the right time, and it allows Matthew to re-focus on his core businesses - running some of the best restaurants in Jacksonville: Matthews and Take Away Gourmet in San Marco and Restaurant Medure in Ponte Vedra. And we of course wish him well on his new venture, M Burger Shack, opening in November in Atlantic Beach.

Chef DeJuan will lead the Alhambra into its next new era. By preparing meals in its own kitchen with its own dedicated staff, Smith feels the food will be consistent, fresher and more creative. Having its own kitchen and staff also provides the Alhambra an opportunity to host special events such as luncheons, fundraisers, corporate outings, weddings and parties. In the near future, Chef DeJuan expects to add to the Alhambra's regular menu items such as appetizers, desserts and even upgraded dinner selections. Most importantly having Chef DeJuan and his team on site, will allow the Alhambra to better match special dietary needs and requests.

Chef DeJuan was previously the Executive Chef at 95 Cordova in St. Augustine (FL). Prior to that, he served as executive chef of The Plantation Room at the Celebration Hotel in Celebration (FL). A graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and receiving specialized training at Central Texas College in Europe, Chef DeJuan brings to the Alhambra nearly 20 years of culinary experience. He honed his international hospitality expertise in kitchens from Europe to Chicago, creating banquet menus and dining concepts for private clubs, AAA Five-Diamond and Mobil Five-Star restaurants and inns.

"The opportunity to work alongside Craig Smith, and help him fulfill the dreams of the North Florida community by keeping this iconic theater alive and vibrant is exciting to me and my family. It is rare for a chef to have the chance to create an entirely new culinary experience every six to nine weeks, and we are all excited. My goal is create a more refined culinary experience to go along with the Alhambra's exceptional shows. That's going to bring even more value to the entire guest experience. From service to food, we will be the best dine-in theater in the country."

Chef DeJuan Roy was born and raised in Chicago and has lived in Jacksonville for 15 years. His wife Sharon (Leseur-Roy) is a senior marketing manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have two children. Son Jared is a sophomore at Stanton Preparatory High School studying to be an engineer. Daughter Savannah is a fifth grader at Pine Forest Elementary School and herself an aspiring thespian.

Guests will experience Chef DeJuan's first Alhambra dinner when My Fair Lady opens on Wednesday, October 19. On the buffet menu will be three fresh salads (served plated: English Garden, Cucumber with Onion & Tomato, or Fingerling Potato Salad with Fresh Dill); a choice of entrees (Carved Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, Au Jus and Horseradish Cream, Fish & Chips, Chicken Divan) and two side selections (Cream Peas and Garlic Mashed Potatoes). Dessert choices are Chef DeJuan's signature Honeybun Cake and Chocolate Mousse Trifle.

"My Fair Lady" opens October 19, 2011. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the buffet starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the buffet starts at 11:15 AM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM. Group sales are available. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $35 for children. Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking. Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or visit on line at www.alhambrajax.com.

Jacksonville Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Acrosstown Repertory Theatre)

11.3% of votes

2. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Amelia Community Theater)

9% of votes

3. HAIRSPRAY (Limelight Theatre)

8.3% of votes

Vote Now!