Chef Tim Andriola, 40, has joined the Bill Hansen culinary staff as consulting chef. Andriola owns the award winning restaurant Timo in Sunny Isles Beach. His duties will include overseeing all culinary events both onsite at Villa Woodbine and off site, creating new menu items, and working with and training the culinary staff.
“I met Tim when I taught at Florida International University and he was my student working on his Masters degree. And I was always impressed with his talent and sense of professionalism,” says Hansen.
“I am delighted to have him part of my team.”
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Chef Tim got his culinary experience in high school working in his father’s restaurant. He them went on to study at the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, New York, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts. After moving to South Florida, Chef Tim received his Bachelor Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International Institute. Before opening Timo in 2003, Chef Tim was chef du cuisine at Chef Allen’s restaurant and executive chef at Marks South Beach.
Bill Hansen Catering has been catering in South Florida for more than 30 years and is known for his professionalism, flawless service, wonderful food and competitive pricing. The company is headquartered in Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove, a gorgeous historic house with plush gardens.
The historic house in Coconut Grove, has gone through some major renovations making it possible to hold functions at the facility throughout the year. Exclusive to Bill Hansen Catering, it is a private Mansion that was designed by Walter de Gamo in 1930. The Mediterranean Renaissance’s open air design features large loggias, Spanish arches, colorful Havana tile, and many original fixtures and Cuban handcrafted furnishings. The focus is the fountain in the open coral rock courtyard. Guests who walk though the round top doorway are transported back to the tropical sway of classic old Miami and an oasis of rare beauty.
Dining is set in the private, lush garden, which becomes magical with romantic lighting under the large spreading oak trees and surrounding foliage. Bougainvilleas climb the walls and palms sway in the cool breezes while orchids cling to their trunks. Peacocks strut pompously amidst the variety of trees. Some notable people have enjoyed the ambiance of Villa Woodbine including Mary Wilson of the Supremes, the Village People, Mel Fisher, Kathy Lee and Frank Gifford, Siskel and Ebert, and Pavarotti.
And, now it is better than ever. Some of the renovations include: central air conditioning in the salon area, over-the-top landscaping in the outdoor gardens, a paved parking lot with a new driveway, spectacular lighting, a new tile roof, copper gutters and a trellis in the back of the house.
“I can honestly say that the improvements have made Villa Woodbine the premier place to hold a special event and a virtual Garden of Eden,” says Hansen.
Hansen is also the preferred or exclusive vendor at a number of venues including Vizcaya, The Women’s Club of Coconut Grove, Filmore Theatre, Club Play as well as other clubs in South Beach. And, he has an in house catering arrangement with many local hotels. For more information on the company please visit www.billhansencatering.com.
To visit Villa Woodbine go to www.villa-woodbine.com.
