Two issues ago, we wrote about Wilton Manors’ newest marquis destination, The Manor, which will soon open at 2345 Wilton Drive. The Manor will become one of South Florida’s hottest gay destinations and will feature a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance with a variety of food and beverage concepts, including York Restaurant, Windsor Martini Bar & Ultra Lounge, Epic Nightclub and a premier banquet/meeting facility. The Manor is proud to make the following management selections, aimed at delivering “a new level of sophistication on the Drive.”
Two issues ago, we wrote about Wilton Manors’ newest marquis destination, The Manor, which will soon open at 2345 Wilton Drive. The Manor will become one of South Florida’s hottest gay destinations and will feature a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance with a variety of food and beverage concepts, including York Restaurant, Windsor Martini Bar & Ultra Lounge, Epic Nightclub and a premier banquet/meeting facility. The Manor is proud to make the following management selections, aimed at delivering “a new level of sophistication on the Drive.”
GARY SANTIS, NIGHTLIFE ICON
To quote New Times, “Unless you’ve been holed away for two decades, you know that the name Santis is synonymous with the mega-clubs and special events.” Gary’s career started in Miami Beach at the world famous Warsaw Ballroom. Later Gary moved to Fort Lauderdale, where he propelled nightclubs like The Saint, Pier, Coliseum and JetSet, to become the trend-setting establishments of their time. He launched and promoted the famous weekly Sunday event “Babylon-T-Dance” at Voodoo Lounge for years. Gary also owns and promotes the two largest annual gay events in Fort Lauderdale, “The White Fort Lauderdale Event” and “The Black Fort Lauderdale Event.” He has established a stronghold in gay nightlife in the region and is known for his creative and innovative marketing and promotional tactics and experience. Throughout his career, Gary is most proud to have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable organizations. “Giving back and helping others really gives me a sense of purpose, and this is a cornerstone of what we are trying to do at The Manor.” Gary proclaims, “I am humbled to be part of the amazing team assembled to launch The Manor. I am inspired that our owner-partners, Paul Hugo and Brett Tannenbaum, have envisioned and built such an amazing venue that will cater to all gay, lesbian and transgender members of our community, seven days a week. “I know that the team we have assembled will provide a destination that really meets the needs of the community and will make The Manor the cornerstone of the gay community. I really see The Manor as a new place with old values.” Gary has designed and produced special events for the likes of the late Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace, Elton John, Sylvester Stallone and countless celebrities.
JASON TAMANINI, OPERATIONS MAESTRO
Jason Tamanini has joined The Manor team as Operations Director, responsible for ensuring that the consumer experience is second to none in all areas of the complex. Jason will work hand-in-hand with Gary Santis, designing and bringing to life fresh, innovative events and concepts.
Jason is a young veteran in the restaurant and lounge business, whose accolades include being part of the renowned food & beverage team at the Trump Taj-Mahal in Atlantic City. Locally, Jason had managed several restaurants before becoming General Manager of the China White Lounge in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Thereafter, Jason accepted the challenge of managing South Beach’s acclaimed Halo Lounge on Lincoln Road, which in two short years has become an institution and an important part of the fabric of the community. Additionally, Jason has also been responsible for overseeing Halo Lounge in Washington, DC. Jason is passionate about community affairs and participates with several local organizations, governments and civic boards to fight for equality for the gay, lesbian and transgender community. With his signature smile and personal zeal, Jason explains what brought him to The Manor. “The Manor is going to revolutionize and re-invent the ‘going out’ experience. I look forward to being a part of such community project.”
CHEF BRENT M. SICK, CULINARY MASTER
Chef Brent M. Sick, a graduate of the prestigious International Culinary Institute of Pennsylvania, comes to south Florida from Orlando, where he was executive chef of two of America’s top ten busiest restaurants, Fulton’s Crab House and Wolfgang Puck’s in Downtown Disney. When asked about joining The Manor, Chef Brent smiles, “I am very pleased to be selected to be part of such a great vision. The Manor has an eclectic, worldly yet homey and humble feel to it, despite its rich and plush, brilliantly-designed interior.” At The Manor, Chef Brent brings his signature offerings to life. “Conceptually, I recreated the restaurant’s unique atmosphere through the house and tapas menus. It has a little bit of some of the best things I have done running some of the most successful restaurants in the United States.” Chef Brent is proud to have previously volunteered for charitable events for the American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics and the Orange County Charity Challenge fundraiser for Central Florida homeless families. “Charity events are another way I like to give back to the community, and I am excited to become part of the Wilton Manors community.” Chef Brent has had the honor of cooking for his fare share of celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Kevin Nash, Sandy Duncan, Paula Cole, Gavin Rossdale and The Pittsburgh Steelers football team; he has also cooked alongside some of the world’s best chefs, including Master Chef Martin Yen, and Wolfgang Puck. But it is the chance to be part of The Manor’s new team that has Chef Brent most excited. “I am very, very excited to be a key player in such a new and ambitious season for south Florida, Ft. Lauderdale and, more importantly, Wilton Manors.”
THE MANOR is now accepting applications for all departments; please go to www.themanorcomplex.com to apply.
