Aurora at The Celeste

by Susan Shalhoub 

The Celeste Hotel, Orlando, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has been welcoming back a lot of familiar faces lately – namely Executive Chef Mike Trudnak along with his line cooks and sous chefs. 

After an almost yearlong stint at a Daytona resort, the talented Chef Mike is once again helming the kitchen of The Celeste Hotel’s in-house restaurant Aurora. His welcome return and exceptional skills mean that Aurora’s guests can be assured of enjoying the best dining experience possible.  

Bringing his dedicated team along with him ensures the same combination of quality and synergy that Aurora had when Chef Mike was there previously –  but with a new menu that offers excitement and culinary adventures for diners.

And there are big plans for a Mother’s Day brunch buffet on May 12. 

In addition, Aurora offers live music on Friday and Saturdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a happy hour every day from  4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Those who have stayed at The Celeste Hotel previously or dined at Aurora will want to make plans to return soon to sample the tantalizing menu.

A Culinary Wizard

Chef Mike has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having honed his skills in a broad range of resort, restaurant, and hotel environments. At Aurora, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day – as well as room service to The Celeste Hotel guests – he offers creative culinary delights, says Sarah Ehmke, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing. 

Dinner offerings, for example, include crab cake sandwiches, pork osso bucco, and stuffed eggplant roulade. Aurora focuses on fresh, locally sourced food. With Chef Mike’s considerable expertise, the restaurant’s dishes are a treat for the palate. 

“Chef Mike is so well known and well recognized in the industry,” says Sarah. “This is back-to-basic, scratch-kitchen fare and our guests are loving the menu choices and food options here. Chef Mike is gracing Aurora’s kitchen again. We couldn’t be more thrilled.” 

Chef Mike’s return to Aurora at The Celeste, a boutique 4-Diamond AAA hotel, sets the perfect backdrop for his masterful culinary skills.