Meet our Culinary Team at The Ben West Palm
Dining at The Ben is upscale and comfortably local, infused with inspiration, representing the social city center of West Palm and the time-honor spirit of sharing. For banquets or meeting breaks, work retreats or weddings, the options are endless.
Fun is at the heart of it – local leaders meet at our stylish signature restaurant Proper Grit for appetizers or entrees with a side of innovation; business travelers find comfortable corners to loosen up over crafted cocktails, and groups gather at the rooftop bar Spruzzo to plan the next day’s agenda over uniquely crafted cocktails, micro-brewed beers and a wide variety of award-winning wines and spirits.
Director of
Culinary
Chef Daniel Diaz
Chef Daniel Diaz, a Miami native, grew up amidst Florida’s culinary landscape, deeply rooted in food services and distribution.
Raised by Cuban-American parents, he cultivated a passion for fresh produce from his mother’s vegetable garden.
Graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, he honed his skills at a Caribbean fine-dining restaurant. Daniel further refined his craft at Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group and under Michelin-starred chefs.
With a decade of experience serving private clients, Chef Daniel Diaz embodies a fusion of culinary expertise and cultural heritage, bringing a unique flavor to every dish.
Instagram – @chefdanieldiaz
Executive Chef
of Proper Grit
Chef Daniel Pudnik
Originally from South Florida, Chef Dan’s culinary voyage has traversed the nation, from owning a Jewish deli in Southern California to spearheading the kitchen at renowned establishments.
His commitment to his art shines through in his accolades, such as clinching the People’s Choice Award at the San Diego Food & Wine Festival and earning recognition for crafting the Best Taco in San Diego.
Executive
Banquet Chef
Chef Ernest Levy
Chef Ernest Levy (Levi) hails from Jamaica where he comes from extensive Culinary background working for some of the best known resorts, hotels and private clubs.
Chef Levi has won numerous Gold Medals and Awards including coveted Chef of the Year Award in Jamaica 2013. He is an active member o the A.C.F and Jamaica Culinary Federation.
More information about The Ben
Injecting a new energy into downtown West Palm Beach.
“Se non è vero, è molto ben trovato”