Chef Andrew Basch

Chef Andrew, a Clearwater native, has spent his entire life around food. With an Italian mother and a German father, Andrew grew up canning, farming, gardening, hunting, and doing everything related to food with his grandparents. With a vegetarian mother, if Andrew wanted to eat meat, he was going to have to learn to prepare it himself. Chef Andrew’s most treasured family memories involve food, which led him to his first job in a kitchen. What started out as a job washing dishes grew into a culinary career built from a hands on education that has spanned 19 years. Andrew has always sought to better his knowledge and experience by learning all areas of the food and beverage industry be it in the kitchen or front of the house operations, making him a well-rounded culinary professional that is very in tune with customer needs and expectations. Most recently, Chef Andrew has joined the team at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort as Executive Chef overseeing the resort’s culinary operations.

In his spare time, Andrew can be found out on the gulf waters. He continues his family memories as well as he lives in a home with four generations – all of whom love to cook. Andrew also finds time to give back to the community through his involvement with Hands On Education. Hands On Education is a non-profit organization that works with learning disabled students to train them in hotel services including the culinary arts. Andrew — who was himself a student there at one time — has trained legally blind students on knife skills and received an award for outstanding achievements.

Turtle Ale

The goal was to create a beer that is perfect for sipping on a beach, one you can enjoy all day long. Harris, who has delighted guests at the Sheraton with his cuisine for more than 20 years, wanted to create a beer that’s perfect for sipping on the beach, one you can enjoy all day long. The dark caramel-colored amber ale, with its crisp, clean body, citrus notes and mild, hoppy finish is just that beer.

Turtle Ale was created to make guests feel like they are tasting the distinct flavors of Clearwater Beach.  Clearwater, as one of the top ten beaches in  Florida, deserves an ale of equal caliber. Guest feedback has been nothing but positive.

Turtle Ale is currently only available at the Sheraton in both the Mainstay Tavern and outside at the Turtle Bar! Enjoy with our famous ‘Fish N Chips’!

Please enjoy responsibly. State law prohibits the purchase or consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21.