Al Massa

Executive Chef

Chef Al Massa grew up in an Italian family where food was an important part of life, showcased at many traditional family events. Al initially got his sense of culinary adventure from his mother, pitching in to help with dinner parties, gaining an appreciation for good food, and learning a thing or two in the process. Following a ten-year career as an officer in the United States Air Force, he decided to pursue what had previously been a hobby with dedication and zeal. With his wife Karen's support and encouragement, he enrolled at Johnson and Wales University and finished the two-year course in a year and a half. Wanting to learn the fundamentals of Creole Cuisine, Chef Al moved his family to uptown New Orleans where he secured a position as an entry-level line cook at Emeril Lagasse's NOLA. Chef Al's abilities became readily apparent as he progressed from desserts to the hot line, saucier, and finally Sous Chef, all within his first three years of employment. After spending two more years as a Sous Chef at NOLA, Chef Al joined the team at Emeril's Delmonico, where he rose to Executive Sous Chef. During his ten years with Emeril's organization, Chef Al absorbed the intricacies of Creole cooking, recognized the importance of using local ingredients, and mastered a style of cuisine that is ingredient-driven. Wanting to expand his experience, Al signed on as the Corporate Chef for a New Orleans restaurant group and their four properties, opened a restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana, and then spent five years as the chef at Michael's on East in Sarasota, Florida. His experience at Michael�s on East was gratifying as Nation's Restaurants News inducted them into their Fine Dining Hall of Fame as one of only ten restaurants selected nationwide and he also won the Edible Sarasota Local Hero award for "Favorite Chef." Chef Al returned to Destin and worked at Marina Caf� for four years, winning VIP Destin Magazine's Best Fine Dining in Destin for 2017. Prior to coming to the Venice Golf and Country Club, he was the executive chef at Brotula's Seafood House and Steamer, where he also won VIP Destin Magazine's Best Chef for 2021 and has propelled the restaurant to a number one rating on Trip Advisor. Also, he just recently won the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Competition. Chef Al also was selected by Governor DeSantis to represent Florida in the Great American Seafood Competition in New Orleans where he placed second among 15 chef�s nationwide. When not at work, he spends time with his wife Karen and daughter Cara and tries to fish as much as possible.