#United States #Viera #Olive Tree Grill #Andrés Zuluaga #Matthew Lower

Olive Tree Greek Grill Inc. Unveils New Culinary Leaders

Olive Tree Greek Grill Inc., a rising name in the culinary scene of Viera, Florida, has made an exciting announcement that is set to elevate the dining experience for its clientele. The company has appointed Executive Chef Andrés Zuluaga and Chef de Cuisine Matthew Lower to their kitchen team, a move that is generating considerable enthusiasm among food lovers and local patrons alike.

Meet the Chefs

Executive Chef Andrés Zuluaga

Chef Andrés Zuluaga brings a wealth of experience and a remarkable culinary background to Olive Tree Greek Grill. His journey began at Eastern Florida State College's culinary school, where he honed his cooking skills from 2013 onwards. His formative experience included a summer internship at Wolfgang Puck's catering venue in Washington DC, after which he committed to a long-term role in the famed chef's Asian concept, The Source.

His culinary career escalated when he joined the esteemed Fabio Trabocchi Restaurant Group. At Del Mar, where he served as Sous Chef, he contributed to the restaurant’s recognition in Esquire Magazine’s list of “Best New Restaurants in America” and received a nomination for a James Beard Award. Most recently, he held the position of Executive Chef at Blend 111, where he garnered accolades from notable critics for his innovative Latin cuisine.

In a bold step to deepen his expertise in Greek cuisine, Chef Andrés traveled to Athens on March 4, 2025. He is currently training under Michelin-starred Chef Nikos Karathanos, learning the intricate philosophies and techniques behind traditional Greek dishes. Chef Andrés plans to collaborate with Chef Nikos to craft the menu for 'Páno,' an upscale dining experience on the second floor of Olive Tree's new location.

Follow Chef Andrés’ journey in Greece through his social media accounts as he shares insights and experiences from his culinary adventure.

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Lower

Joining Andrés Zuluaga is Chef Matthew Lower, a talented culinary artist hailing from West Palm Beach. At just 20 years old, Lower embarked on a culinary expedition to Sweden, where he trained under the renowned restaurateur Christian Kullman at his fine dining establishment, Madame Mustache. Upon returning to the U.S., Chef Matthew's path traversed major culinary capitals from NYC to LA, where he collaborated with culinary greats, including Govind Armstrong during a prestigious congressional dinner.

Chef Matthew’s experience continued to grow when he became part of the team at La Goulue, collaborating with Chef Gwenael le Pape on Palm Beach Island. Before joining Olive Tree Greek Grill, he served as Executive Chef at Slawson Organic Foods, where he oversaw food production across multiple culinary concepts.

Outside of his professional life, Chef Matthew cherishes his role as a devoted husband and father to his two young children. He also has a passion for automobiles, blending his culinary artistry with a love for all things mechanical.

A Bright Future Ahead

With such remarkable talent at the helm of its kitchen, Olive Tree Greek Grill is poised to offer a refreshed and sophisticated dining experience that embraces the essence of Greek cuisine while delighting guests with innovative twists. As the restaurant progresses into this new phase, the public is keenly invited to explore the delicious offerings crafted by Chef Andrés and Chef Matthew.

This strategic move by Olive Tree promises an exquisite reflection of Mediterranean influences intertwined with fresh, local ingredients, highlighting the culinary prowess of its new leaders as they set the stage for a gastronomic journey unlike any other.