About the Chef

Raul Alberto Rodriguez has been a long time employee of the Watershed Hospitality Concepts and the man for the job to lead us in what would be a brave new direction, a land-based polished casual seafood restaurant that had not yet opened its doors...Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar.
Unfailingly calm, Chef Raul picked up his filet knives, turned up the heat and savored leading a team built from scratch that would not only survive weather and permitting delays, but would thrive, garnering numerous happy guests and awards for fresh seafood, oysters and dining experiences even in its first few months. 

When you walk into Raul’s kitchen, the first thing he asks is, “Are you hungry?”  and we never say no!  You'll see his team of cooks working in unison, having taken their training from a patient, hard-working leader who loves being in the heat of the back of the house.  Raul’s communications are soft but effective and spoken directly, and bely the respect he has for each of his cooks, knowing very well their challenges because his own experience prepared him to practice empathy, perseverance, and resiliency. 

Ask Chef Raul the secret to his delicious cooking and you’ll always get the same answer—with a smile and zero doubt: “It must be fresh!”

Raul and his team at Lefty's are very proud of our partnership with local farmers and fishmongers, including our local organic farm partner, Blumenberry Farms.  As a 'Fresh From Florida' restaurant, our dishes at Lefty's follow the Seasons.  We bring our team on field trips to the farm when the fields are fallow and again to witness the progress in the greenhouse with seedlings and in the rows of growing crops during the Florida growing season.  This partnership not only supports local farms but provides our guests with the freshest, most delicious quality produce and herbs during the growing season.  And the beautiful, locally grown crops provide Raul and his team a palette with which to create their dishes and specialty offerings."

Raul is looked up to by his team as a leader because he is calm under pressure, fair, and would not ask anyone on his team to do what he would not do himself.  He is unfailingly reliable and brings a work ethic that would make any team proud to work alongside of him.  Raul pours himself into his two beautiful daughters as well as his work family, and with a sharp knife and in a working environment constantly on fire, exemplifies what a true heart of the house looks like.
With a passion for some of the hardest recipes to perfect, sauces, Raul makes a complex remoulade sauce from scratch or a hot honey butter which enhances the taste of his dishes – often after much trial and error- making a dish totally come together.  It is this quest for excellence that he imparts to his team and shares with his guests.  Long nights and in a workplace that is literally fanning flames during service, Raul’s work ethic, generosity with opportunities for his team, and authentic good nature make him a natural to lead in the Back of the House.  As he enters his inaugural year at Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, the newest sibling of the Watershed Hospitality Concepts family, it is no surprise that Lefty’s popularity is due in no small part to our most Excellent Chef, Raul Alberto Rodriguez.

Chef's Favorite Menu Item

Lefty's Seafood Ceviche