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The People Behind Every Celebration

Meet the Team

From your first conversation through the final toast, our team brings experience, warmth and genuine care to every gathering.

Amarante's Sea Cliff chefs preparing for an event
Hospitality Is Personal

The details matter because your moments matter.

A beautiful venue may set the scene, but it is the people behind it who bring an event to life. Our team listens closely, anticipates needs, solves problems and handles the details, so you can be fully present with your guests.

From planning and the kitchen to service and day-of coordination, every department shares one goal: making your experience feel welcoming, seamless and memorable.

“Genuine care is at the heart of everything we do.”
Meet Our Team

The people who bring it all together.

The experienced professionals who guide the planning, service, cuisine and hospitality behind Amarante’s Sea Cliff.

The Family

President

Lisa Standish

Lisa leads Amarante’s Sea Cliff with a focus on warm hospitality, thoughtful service and preserving the family tradition that has brought generations of guests together on Morris Cove.

Bar Manager

Mary Brushett

From weddings and private celebrations to corporate events and evenings at The Deck, Mary creates a friendly, organized bar experience where guests can relax and raise a glass.

Director of Design

Teresa Garcaeu

Teresa tends the gardens, plants seasonal flowers and keeps the waterfront grounds at their best. Her eye also shapes the greenery, centerpieces, tent décor and finishing touches.

Planning & Events

Sales Manager

Dominic Gondek

Often the first person you meet, Dominic guides tours, answers questions, explains your options and helps take your celebration from an initial idea to a clear and exciting plan.

Event Manager

Jose Garcia

Jose turns each plan into a smooth experience. He coordinates the details, supports the service team and stays attentive to hosts and guests so they can enjoy the moment.

Head Maître D’

Darlene Fisco

Darlene brings calm, confidence and genuine care. She leads event service, keeps the day moving and makes sure every guest feels supported from arrival to the final farewell.

Kitchen & Marketing

Head Chef

Jaime Bayona

Jaime leads the kitchen with a focus on flavor, quality and presentation, overseeing the food for weddings, private celebrations, professional gatherings and restaurant dining.

Sous Chef

Luciano Amore

Luciano works alongside Jaime to bring our menus to life, making sure every dish is prepared with care and served to the standards guests expect from Amarante’s.

Marketing Specialist

Katherine Parker

Through social media, website content and photography, Katherine shares the people, celebrations and waterfront moments that make Amarante’s special.

It Takes a Team

Behind every celebration is a team working together.

Our leadership is supported by dedicated chefs, bartenders, servers, setup professionals, maintenance staff and seasonal team members, each playing a part in welcoming guests and bringing every event to life.

I.

Culinary

Preparing and presenting the dishes that become part of each memorable celebration.

II.

Event Service

Welcoming guests, serving each course and keeping the event moving with care.

III.

Setup & Grounds

Preparing rooms, caring for the waterfront property and making sure every space is ready.

IV.

The Deck

Relaxed waterfront hospitality for every summer meal, drink and evening on Morris Cove.

Come Meet Us by the Water

Let our team help bring your vision to life.

Tell us what you are planning, tour the waterfront property and meet the people who will make your occasion welcoming, seamless and unforgettable.

Rather talk it through? Call 203-467-2531

Amarante’s Sea Cliff · 62 Cove Street · New Haven, Connecticut