The culinary landscape of Vero Beach is on the verge of a magnificent expansion. Thanks to the vision of local developer Anthony DeChellis and the global expertise of Argentine-born chef Sebastian La Rocca, a highly anticipated 27,000-square-foot fine-dining and entertainment complex is entering its final stages of preparation. Situated at 1410 South A1A in South Beach, right next to the local 7-Eleven and directly across from Johnny D’s Italian market, this massive mixed-use development promises to elevate the Treasure Coast’s hospitality scene to new heights.
The ambitious project is the brainchild of Anthony DeChellis, a Vero Beach native who returned to his roots after a highly successful career in New York finance, culminating as the president of Credit Suisse Private Banking. Operating under his local real estate and investment firm, DeChellis Capital LLC, the project is managed by its hospitality arm, Windward Restaurant Concepts. The firm’s name carries deep local significance, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Windward Way in The Moorings, the neighborhood where DeChellis grew up and currently resides.
Interestingly, the sprawling new South A1A location was originally custom-built to serve as a home for the beloved island restaurant The Tides. However, late in the development process, owner and chef Leanne Kelleher opted to keep The Tides at its historic Cardinal Drive location, a property which DeChellis also owns. Both parties noted that the decision was incredibly amicable, rooted in a shared sentimental attachment to the quaint charm of the Cardinal Drive neighborhood shared by the staff, patrons, and the community.
With the South A1A space now fully dedicated to a fresh vision, the complex will feature three distinct culinary destinations:
- Turtle Cove: An upscale gourmet market situated at the western end of the property, offering premium goods closest to Highway A1A.
- Motley Cow: A lively and inviting tiki bar centered under a massive open palapa roof, designed to be a fun, breezy community gathering spot.
- Blu Fin: A sophisticated, Mediterranean-themed fine-dining restaurant located at the rear of the property, offering both indoor and outdoor seating alongside ample parking.
To bring this grand vision to life, DeChellis recruited Chef Sebastian La Rocca to serve as the complex’s culinary director. La Rocca brings an exceptional pedigree to Vero Beach, having held executive leadership roles in Michelin-recognized kitchens across the United Kingdom and Costa Rica. Born in Buenos Aires to a Spanish mother and an Italian father, La Rocca was raised in a culture where food and family were inseparable. He later honed his craft alongside masterful French and Japanese chefs, cultivating a deep belief that breaking bread brings people from all walks of life together.
For La Rocca, relocating to Indian River County was an easy choice. As an avid athlete who loves surfing, swimming, and fishing, the local coastal lifestyle was a perfect match for his personal life. He praises the Vero Beach community for its lack of high-rises, pristine environment, and welcoming residents who still take the time to sit down and connect.
Vero Beach offers the best of two worlds for me. It gives me a great opportunity to pursue my life-long passion for cooking, as well as get the right work/life balance to do what I like. We won’t just sell food. Food is culture. We will sell an amazing experience.
As he builds his team for the upcoming launch, La Rocca is prioritizing character, ethics, and a passion for hospitality over rigid technical skill sets, noting that while he can teach someone to open wine, he cannot teach character. He is also deeply committed to supporting the Indian River County economy, planning to source ingredients directly from local Florida farmers and fishermen whenever possible. While the final menu for Blu Fin is still being perfected, diners can look forward to signature creations like his perfectly roasted tomatoes—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and elegantly served over onions with a drizzle of sugarcane honey.
The highly anticipated complex is slated to open its doors to the public in stages beginning this October, promising a vibrant, delicious new chapter for Vero Beach’s thriving lifestyle and dining community.
