The Elser Hotel Appoints Antony Awak as Executive Chef

MIAMI, FL (June 9, 2025) – The Elser Hotel, a luxury 49-story tower in the heart of Downtown Miami, is pleased to announce the appointment of Antony Awak as executive chef. In this role, Awak will oversee all the hotel’s food and beverage operations, including the Pool Bar & Café and in-room dining, emphasizing high-quality ingredients, innovative menu planning and seamless dining experiences for guests. He will also play a pivotal role in establishing The Elser as a premier venue for destination events, meetings and banquets by crafting memorable culinary experiences for these occasions.

“Joining The Elser Hotel is an incredible opportunity to blend my passion for cooking with Miami’s dynamic culture,”  “I look forward to creating noteworthy experiences that reflect the city’s diversity and energy while delighting our guests with exceptional flavors.”

Antony Awak.

Awak brings a wealth of gastronomic expertise to The Elser Hotel. Born in Venezuela with Syrian roots, he was shaped by an early love of food and the traditions shared within his family. Inspired by his grandmother and mother’s abilities to craft vibrant dishes in Caracas and Maracay, Awak transformed his passion for cooking into a lifelong profession. 

Awak’s professional career began as a sous chef at The Confidante Miami Beach, where he excelled at food preparation, line coordination and staff training. He later advanced to senior sous chef at Groot Hospitality and Highgate Hotels, managing restaurant operations and refining his leadership skills at The Goodtime Hotel and Strawberry Moon. In October 2023, he was promoted to chef de cuisine at Highgate Hotels, overseeing F&B operations at The Balfour Hotel in Miami Beach. In this role, Awak has demonstrated his expertise by implementing innovative menu concepts, streamlining kitchen operations and mentoring staff to achieve exceptional culinary standards.where he further demonstrated his expertise.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Antony Awak to The Elser Hotel family,”. “His inventive approach to cuisine and dedication to his craft resonate deeply with our mission to offer our guests unforgettable dining experiences.”

Sean Flanigan, Vice President of Operations at Highgate Hotels

Ideal for extended stays, The Elser Hotel features 646 residential-style rooms, including studios, one-bedrooms, and spectacular two- and three-bedroom suites. Each accommodation boasts refined touches like floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and residential comforts such as washers and dryers in every unit.