Alessandro CartuminiAlessandro Cartumini has joined Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara as Executive Chef, bringing with him not only a seasoned history with the company, but also a fresh vision for the Resort’s aptly named restaurant, Bella Vista (“beautiful view,” in Italian). It’s a marriage befitting the Piemonte, Italy, native and the oceanfront eatery, which is characterised by a conspicuously warm and inviting Tuscan ambiance. In addition to heading up Bella Vista, Cartumini oversees all of the Resort’s food services, including catering, 24-hour In-Room Dining, and refreshments at the pool and Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. Having most recently opened the wildly successful Quattro in Palo Alto, Chef Cartumini has created a brand new culinary experience for diners in Santa Barbara that features California coastal cuisine with an Italian influence. His menus are built around a philosophy of creating uncomplicated, farm-to-table food that is perfectly flavoured and, more importantly, accessible. Cartumini also places a heavy emphasis on putting community first, whether it’s by getting involved in farmer’s markets, buying from local farms and vendors, or working with local children to educate them on healthy dietary habits.