Top chef contestant moves to Virginia Beach as executive chef for Mahi Mah’s

From Emily Morton, Director of Communication  for Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts

Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts, owner of Mahi Mah’s Seafood and Sushi Saloon, is pleased to announce the appointment of Otto Borsich as Executive Chef.  Borsich is best known for his appearance on Bravo TV’s series “Top Chef- Season 2,” but also recently presided as Chef Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas.

  Borsich comes to Mahi Mah’s with a wealth of experience in hospitality in upscale, creative cuisine.  He has worked in some of America’s finest establishments such as the Bellagio Hotel, The Gotham Bar & Grill, and the Pierre Hotel.  Also, as a Navy veteran and self-taught chef, he periodically trains Navy Culinary Specialists at sea. 

  In addition to his passion for preparing food for his guests, Borsich has championed the fight against hunger in America and throughout the world.  He was the catalyst behind Childhood Hunger Day in Washington, DC.  Chefs from all over the nation converged on Capital Hill for a three-day symposium on hunger and poverty legislation.  Furthermore, at the Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas, he initiated a food rescue program to donate excessive food to the Red Cross.  Since then, he has spent much of his free time coordinating similar events and fundraisers supporting this cause.

  Mahi Mah’s Restaurant Manager, Eric Emerson, is excited about Borsich’s energy in the kitchen.  “He can bring a vitality to the kitchen that is a perfect fit for the ambiance at Mahi Mah’s.  We have a high-energy, creative environment here and his presence is conducive to the heart of the establishment.”  Borsich’s cooking philosophy, as explained on www.bravotv.com is, “to obtain the freshest ingredients, treat them with respect, prepare them with love, season them with passion and serve them with a great presentation.” 

  Mahi Mah’s Seafood & Sushi Saloon has been attracting the ideal balance of year-round residents and tourists since its opening in 1993.  Mah’s was recognized as one of Hampton Roads’ Best Top 25 Restaurants by Portfolio Weekly, the only restaurant at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to receive this honor, and has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence throughout the years.  Known for its fresh local seafood, creative sushi, lively raw bar and nightly entertainment at 7^th Street Stage throughout the summer, this is the place to see and be seen at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 

  Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts is the Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s number one employer with up to 2,000 associates. The company owns and operates eight properties in the Mid-Atlantic region and oversees approximately 1,700 rooms.  The integrated hospitality firm owns and/or manages hotels, vacation ownership resorts and leading area restaurants including Mahi Mah’s, Catch 31, Salacia, Rockfish and Pi-zzeria.  Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.