Renaissance Hotels Partners with Iron Chef Jose Garces to Create Exclusive Mother’s Day Bloody Mary Menu

Discover the Local Flavors of Ten Global Cities

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Renaissance Hotels (www.renhotels.com) is partnering with Chef Jose Garces, Food Network’s Iron Chef and the Chef of Mercat a la Planxa inside the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, to create a limited-edition Bloody Mary menu including ten cocktails inspired by global cities.  Available at participating Renaissance Hotels over Mother’s Day weekend, the menu inspires guests to discover the unique flavors and indigenous ingredients of some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

Spanning from San Francisco to New York, and stretching halfway across the globe to Paris and Shanghai, Chef Jose Garces’ Mother’s Day menu fuses culinary excellence with a worldly palate.  The ingredients and garnishes were hand selected to reflect the flavor of each location.

Sip on the Chi-Dog Juice, featuring sweet pickle relish and yellow mustard, mimicking Chef Garces’ hometown of Chicago’s renowned style of hot dog; taste the zest of New Orleans with ‘Dat Eye Opener, comprised of strong creole seasoning, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce;  transport yourself to eastern Asia with a Bloody Pearl¸ inspired by the flavors of Hong Kong:  Chinese black vinegar, Chinese hot sauce and ground caraway seeds; or float away to a tropical destination with San Juan’s Puerto Maria, a blend of Spanish onions, green bell peppers, cilantro and aijes dulces.

The exclusive menu includes cocktails inspired by ten cities celebrating Mother’s Day this May 12th:

• Chicago
• Hong Kong
• Miami
• New Orleans
• San Francisco
• San Juan
• Sao Paulo
• Shanghai
• Tuscany

For those looking to celebrate Mom with a weekend away, Renaissance Hotels is also offering a getaway package to coincide with this very special holiday at participating hotels.  The Do Not Disturb Mom mother’s day package includes:
• Deluxe Accommodations
• Late check-out where available
• Breakfast for two
• Bloody Mary’s from the global menu
• Signature floral arrangement
• Renaissance candle crafted by Joya

For those interested in booking the Do Not Disturb Mom mother’s day package, please visit www.renhotels.com/mothersday and use reservation code RHO.   Rates are subject to location and availability at participating Renaissance Hotels.

Renaissance Hotels is known worldwide for offering unique guest experiences woven through design, service, the brand’s signature Navigator lifestyle concierge service and their award winning RLife LIVE arts and entertainment platform.

Chef Jose Garces’ global Mother’s Day Bloody Mary menu will be available at participating Renaissance Hotels through the month of May. 

ABOUT RENAISSANCE
Renaissance Hotels represents a diverse collection of 155 hotels in 35 countries worldwide. Each property is unique, offering passionate travelers a one-of-kind experience and memories they will be sure to take with them long after they depart. Within every hotel, guests are greeted by an exceptional array of amenities and an inspiring world of local discoveries. For travelers looking to experience something new, innovative and locally driven programs including the industry leading entertainment platform RLife LIVE as well R Navigator, ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. Renaissance Hotels. Live Life To Discover. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com.

Friend us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RenHotels

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels

Connect with catherine.leitner@marriott.com and laurenb@alisonbrodpr.com

Read more

JW Marriott Hotels Offer Junior Jetsetters Healthy Menu Options

New JW Kids Menu by Keri Glassman Brings Nutrition, Flavor and Imagination to the Table

Washington, D.C. - April 1, 2013 – JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has partnered with nationally recognized nutritionist and author Keri Glassman to create a new JW Kids Menu, helping junior jetsetters build healthy eating habits while traveling and arming them with the skills they need to continue the practice at home. 

The interactive menu, debuting at JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. this spring, features comfort food favorites with a healthy twist, giving little ones the chance to pick and pair foods they love while giving parents peace of mind by offering healthy options.

“With kids’ food choices becoming increasingly diverse, we are looking to create dining options that are fresh, healthy and imaginatively tasty,” said Mitzi Gaskins, vice president & global brand manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “These items will not only delight kids from a culinary standpoint, but will also let parents know the JW Marriott brand cares about the well-being of their entire family.”

Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the JW Kids Menu is divided into three sections – “Kids Nosh,” “Big Kids,” and “This, That & the Other” – offering a variety of large and small dishes to satisfy even the pickiest palates.

• Kids Nosh – This section includes items such as fresh-cut cucumber and carrot sticks with a low-fat yogurt ranch dip or cheese cubes and grapes that will quiet grumbling tummies while kids explore their new activity book and parents peruse the dinner menu. 
• Big Kids – Catering to junior jetsetters who may not view themselves as kids, this section features well-balanced, recognizable favorites like turkey meatballs along with “mini” adult offerings for more sophisticated palates such as grilled organic chicken.
• This, That & the Other – To empower kids to make their own healthy choices, this section allows younger guests to mix-and-match with guidance from parents, letting them explore a variety of nutritious offerings while encouraging their imaginations.

“Just as adults should maintain their diet and exercise routines while travelling, kids should as well,” said Keri Glassman.  “Travel presents opportunities to try new things and even lets kids bring new food favorites or habits home with them. The new JW Kids Menu helps kids accomplish just that.”

The menu concept and design was created to enrich the guest experience outside of the hotel room by blending guests' passions for culture, culinary and well-being, with a special focus on sustainable, organic and locally sourced ingredients. Accompanied by an artistic activity book, crayons and a take-home reusable cup, the new kids menu layout focuses on art and features a mini “curator” cartoon who will lead kids through art activities, games and food choices, helping mix-and-match the right meal and teaching important nutrition information along the way.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 60 JW Marriott hotels in 24 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. Visit us online, jwmarriott.com, @jwmarriott and facebook.com/JWMarriott.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Keri Glassman
Keri Glassman is a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian, published author and of four books including the recently released The New You and Improved Diet, as well as founder and president of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life™, a New York City-based nutrition practice. Keri advocates the importance of a whole-person approach to health and wellness and as a member of JW Marriott's panel of experts, provides guests with her expertise to sustain a healthy, balanced life while traveling.  Keri helps millions as a trusted nutrition and health expert in the media. She is dedicated to her field and to the broader goal of educating the public, and her expertise is frequently featured on several national television programs including NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, Access Hollywood Live, The View, The Talk, The Chew, Dr. Oz, The Doctors, The Wendy Williams Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Steve Harvey Show, MSNBC, The Fox News Channel, and CNN. Keri hosts an original series called “A Little Bit Better” which is featured on Youtube’s Livestrong Woman channel. She is a spokesperson for national brands that align with the Nutritious Life mission, and is a prolific writer and commentator. She has regular columns and blogs with Women's Health magazine, Equinox, US News and Livestrong.

Media Contacts:
Jessica Kumins, JW Marriott Global Brand Public Relations, 301-380-7487, Jessica.Kumins@marriott.com
Chloe Mata Crane, Baltz & Company, 212-982-8300, cmcrane@baltzco.com

 

Read more

Marriott’s Chef Brad Nelson Wins Food Arts Silver Spoon Award

Food Arts magazine has named Brad Nelson, Marriott’s corporate chef and vice president of culinary, the winner of its prestigious Silver Spoon Award for sterling performance.  The Silver Spoon Award has been given to some of the culinary world’s brightest stars including as Nancy Silverton, Jose Andres and Tom Colicchio. 

Nelson oversees Marriott’s culinary strategy for its 15 brands and 3,700 hotels in 73 countries.  Over his 14 years with Marriott, he has led many of the company’s most impactful and innovative food and beverage initiatives including eliminating trans fats from the menu in 2006 and its sustainable seafood program, Future Fish, which was introduced in 2010. 

Food Arts—the gold standard in the food industry—is known for keeping its readers on the cutting edge with authoritative coverage of trends, news, and inspiration from across the globe.  With the latest and hottest restaurant openings, business-building tips from colleagues, menu and food innovations, how-to culinary demos, tabletop fashions, state-of-the-art equipment, marketing ideas, and recipes galore, Food Arts serves the informational needs of the entire full-service segment of the restaurant/hotel industry.  The magazine (published 10 times a year) has been an invaluable resource and inspiration for nearly a quarter of a century, and now FoodArts.com will supplement the magazine with online exclusives, chef interviews, videos, image galleries, and up-to-the-minute news.

Food Arts is a proud member of M. Shanken Communications, Inc., publisher of Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, The Whisky Advocate, Impact Report, and Market Watch.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com

Read more

JW Marriott Resorts Portfolio Christens October as Culinary Month With First-Ever Online Cookbook & Dessert Specials

Ten Resorts in U.S. & Mexico Offer Easy to Make Regionally-Inspired Recipes & All Resorts Will Feature Specially-Priced “Throwback” Desserts.

October is known as Cook Book Month and National Dessert Month and to celebrate, the JW Marriott Resort Portfolio has launched its own Culinary Month across the collection of ten JW Marriott resorts in the U.S. and Mexico. On October 1, the portfolio debuted its first-ever online cookbook featuring recipes from each resort’s acclaimed chefs at www.jwresortscookbook.com. The culinary masters have highlighted cuisine that is unique to their local region as well as recipes that are easy for readers to replicate. In addition, the resorts are allowing guests to indulge in childhood sweet favorites with special pricing on “throwback” desserts at various on-property restaurants.

Creating unparalleled culinary experiences is a passion for each property in the JW Marriott portfolio. The resorts’ restaurants consistently receive high praise from both guests and locals and by developing this complimentary online cookbook, guests can bring some of the JW Marriott resort experience home to impress family and friends. With recipes from acclaimed chefs such as JW Marriott LA Live’s Nona Sivley (winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 8), the World Pastry Champions from JW Marriott Desert Ridge and JW Marriott Cancun’s Dominic Esposito; travelers can create gourmet meals straight from the resorts’ kitchens. At-home chefs can easily download and print mouthwatering dishes such as pan roasted snapper with soy olive oil and ginger pesto, sushi pizza with ahi tuna and jumbo lump crab as well as buttermilk biscuits and a prickly pear chocolate cake.

To satisfy guests’ sweet tooth throughout Culinary Month, each property is featuring a special “throwback” dessert reminiscent of favorite treats from the past. Ranging from warm granny smith apple tart and banana pudding to a junk food platter featuring a rotating selection of treats like homemade cotton candy and hostess cupcakes, the decadent confections will be the perfect way to end guests’ dining experience.

For more information on the JW Marriott Resort Portfolio or to view the online cookbook, please visit www.experiencejwmarriottresorts.com.

About JW Marriott Resort Portfolio
The JW Marriott Resort Portfolio consists of ten resorts located in the US and Mexico. Each property provides guests with unique experiences that enhance the brand’s passion points of culture, culinary arts and well-being. As the most elegant and luxurious Marriott International brand, JW Marriott Resort Portfolio provides business and leisure travelers a deluxe level of comfort and personal service on their terms. http://experiencejwmarriottresorts.com

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 57 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi

Media Contact: Allison Finazzo, Quinn & Co. (212) 868-1900 ext. 262; afinazzo@quinnandco.com

Read more

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and Destination Cellars Offer Customized Wine Travel Experiences to Ritz-Carlton Rewards Members

CHEVY CHASE, MD - September 13, 2012 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. in conjunction with Destination Cellars, a private luxury wine club announces unique access to special, customized wine travel experiences around the world for members of Ritz-Carlton Rewards® .

From intimate tastings to one-on-one time with top winemakers in breathtaking destinations, Destination Cellars specializes in personalizing incredible journeys for affluent food, wine and travel enthusiasts. Now, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are available as part of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards membership.

“Of all the world’s great epicurean travel experiences, few are as bespoke as the ones provided by Destination Cellars” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  “The Ritz-Carlton Rewards now offers members the opportunity to embark on their own private wine tour, complete with regional culinary demonstrations, creative wine-blending sessions and exclusive access to 125 of the world’s most prestigious wineries in nine countries” he added.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards continues to develop relationships within the luxury arena to further deliver on our promise to members, offering exclusive access to extraordinary experiences” commented Chris Tammaro, Vice President, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards. “Working with Destination Cellars, an authority in the global field of winemakers, we are providing access to a world that we know is a passion point for Ritz-Carlton guests worldwide.”

Consider some of the possibilities now available through Destination Cellars: waking up in La Bandita, an exquisite eight-bedroom Tuscan villa, for six days of guided tours of Montalcino in the fall (available from October 20 through December 20), with time in the kitchen sampling Tuscan wines as you learn how to make fresh pastas, sauces and breads. True oenophiles will savor a sumptuous Brunello tasting featuring Casanova di Neri Brunello and, since this is Tuscany, a decadent five-course white truffle dinner. 

In addition to access to customized wine trips, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program members will also have direct access to some of the world’s most exclusive and rare wines. Led by Estate Sommelier Sean Q. Meyer, who has served as sommelier and wine director for such culinary icons as Thomas Keller of The French Laundry, and made wines for some of Napa’s premier vintners, Destination Cellars is ready to recommend and source the perfect bottle, whether you’re designing your own personal cellar, looking for a present or planning a special trip.

From legendary vineyards to unforgettable meals, the ultimate wine adventure awaits. The Ritz-Carlton Rewards members are invited to discover an exclusive epicurean journey limited only by their wildest dreams.

For information, visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com/destinationcellars

About Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

Connect with allison.sitch@ritzcarlton.com

 

Read more

Bill Marriott Challenges You to a Cook-Off

Contest announced on his blog Marriott on the Move.

So you think you can cook?  Bill Marriott is holding his first cook-off challenge.  Using random ingredients, can you whip up a delicious meal? Send him a photo and recipe and he will declare a winner.

“This began as a contest among Marriott European chefs,” said Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman, Marriott International.  “I want to open it up to all cooks.  Be creative with the ingredients.”


How to enter:
Prepare a meal using the ingredients above; add your own spices.
Send a photo and brief description via email or Facebook. 
Email:  newsroom@marriott.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MarriottInternational
All entries will be posted to Facebook’s Marriott International page
Entry deadline: August 15th

Winning entry:
The winner will receive a congratulatory phone call from Bill Marriott. 

Bill Marriott’s idea for a cook-off was inspired by the region-wide cooking contest in Marriott kitchens across Europe. Teams of chefs were given a box filled with random ingredients that they used to create a three-course meal. The Forest of Arden, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Birmingham, England came out on top. Their meal consisted of a trio of salmon as a starter, a taster of game as the entrée, and a lemon meringue tart with raspberry mayonnaise strawberry sorbet and Chantilly cream for dessert.

You can read more about the cook-off on Bill Marriott’s blog.
http://www.MarriottOnTheMove.com

Connect with jay.hamilton@marriott.com

Read more

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Takes the Party Outside

Friday evening “Movies by Moonlight,” Saturday Morning Yoga, And Sunday Afternoon Garden Party In The Urban Garden.

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, Washington, DC is taking the party outside this summer with unique warm weather promotions.

"Movies by Moonlight"
Watching a movie under the stars used to mean piling in the station wagon to head off to the drive-in and clipping a speaker to the car window while the kids threw popcorn around in the back seat. Today, drive-ins may be all but extinct, but the special pleasure of spending a summer's evening outdoors watching a movie is still alive and well at The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Beginning Friday July 6th at 8 pm you’ll find the unexpected in the heart of Georgetown - "Movies by Moonlight" - the hotel's informal outdoor theatre showing classic movies every Friday under the stars in their Urban Garden. The season series will open with Ghostbusters, a 1984 supernatural comedy film that stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City, who start a ghost catching business.

The Ritz-Carlton's hallmark service enhances the viewing experience with complimentary popcorn and a variety of specially priced movie-themed cocktails and movie nibbles. Movies by Moonlight will run until September 28th, 2012.

Saturday Morning Yoga
Every Saturday at 9 am until September 8th hotel guests and Georgetown neighbors can enjoy complimentary outdoor yoga classes courtesy of Georgetown's Lululemon. Also available are private one-on-one fitness sessions with well known local trainers which can be arranged through the hotel's boutique spa.

Sunday Afternoons in the Urban Garden
End the weekend on a high note with specially priced cocktails, bottles of wine at half price, buckets of beer, a special summer inspired tapas menu, and local DJ Marvin Nguyen, all served up in The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown's artistically-inspired outdoor escape, the multi-tiered Urban Garden.

Beginning Sunday July 1st until September 30th from 4 pm - 10 pm, Sunday Afternoons in the Urban Garden offers the perfect outdoor cocktail party where guests can chill and let the good times roll. As the sun sets over the Potomac enjoy summer classic cocktails like Sea Breeze, Cape Codder, Dark and Stormy along with the Fresa Chiller, Urban Sunset, and the Skippy Surprise, The Ritz-Carlton's newest twist on summer libations. Tapas options include Warm Greek Olives, Grilled Virginia Ham and Talbot reserved cheese, Deviled Eggs, Shrimp and Chorizo.

"The idea for the Sunday afternoon garden party is to offer Washington, DC locals and visitors a cooler, classier, outdoor alternative to the riverside bars. Summer's upon us with warmer temperatures and longer days so it's a great late afternoon option to experience "alfresco" fun cocktails, a fresh local, seasonal menu, and "cool" summer music - it's anything but the Queen Mums traditional garden party" says Jeff Brower, general manager.

The Urban Garden
The Urban Garden, with its terraced garden of paver stones, stacked stone wall, lush grass and a canopy of trees, is also the perfect venue for intimate weddings accommodating up to 90 guests, outdoor evening of dining under the stars for 60 guests, and receptions of up to 90 guests.
In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown and its outdoor haven the Urban Garden is a welcome respite amid Georgetown's vibrant community.

Complimentary valet parking is available for all three events and for additional information guests should check the hotel's website calendar at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Georgetown/ or call 202.912.4100 for movie listings and dates, weather conditions and rain dates.

Connect with colleen.evans@ritzcarlton.com

Read more

Sweet Summer Treat

Marriott's chefs whip up a sweet summer treat in the test kitchen.   To cool off, try this recipe which celebrates summer's freshest fruits.

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10 lemons)
1/2 cup fresh pressed fruit juice such as rhubarb, peach, or cherry
1 cup simple syrup
1-2 cups water

1. Strain lemon juice through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Stir in fruit juice. Add enough simple syrup and water to make a balanced lemonade.
The amount will depend on the juice used.

Read more

Have a Scone in Honour of the Queen's Jubilee

Straight from the pastry chef at the Forest of Arden, A Marriott Hotel and Country Club in Birmingham, England here's a recipe for a classic scone. Celebrate the Queen's Jubilee with the Brittish tradition of tea and scones.

Ingredients:
  
2 kg AP flour - 4 ½ pounds
300 g granulated sugar - 10 ounces
100 g baking powder - 3 ½ ounces
500 g softened unsalted butter - 18 ounces
8 ea whole eggs. lightly beaten 
500 ml whole milk - 18 fluid ounces
200 g sultanas (golden raisins) - 7 ounces as needed 
egg wash

Directions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter in an electric mixer until breadcrumb consistency.
2. Add beaten whole eggs and whole milk to form dough and then stir in sultanas.
3. Roll out to desired thickness and portion with cutter.
4. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheets, brush with egg wash and bake at 170C (340 F) until lightly browned and cooked through. Time will depend on the size.

Try making this recipe with other dried fruits, like currents, cranberries  or blueberries.

 

Read more

Snow Cones: The Venerable Summer Treat

Getting A Delicious Artisanal Makeover At The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

Remember those long ago hot summer days when nothing tasted better or cooled you down faster than a slushy snow cone, frozen mounds packed into little white cone cups. Why not experience that great memory with a very definite adult twist?

No need to chase the snow cone truck down your street, beginning June 1st The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. Lobby Bar and Lounge will be featuring a revolving menu of libation-tastic snow cones that come in several vodka and herb infused topped flavors including Lemonade Thyme, Strawberry Basil, and Blueberry Mojito. Think granita with an extra flavorful kick – it’s frozen, it’s fun and it’s the drink of the season.

For the junior Ritz-Carlton guest and those who crave this summer cooler with lots of fresh flavor but a little less “kick,” a revolving menu of non-alcoholic versions will be available opening with Cotton Candy.

For more information or reservations for The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., please call the hotel directly at (202) 835-0500, a travel professional, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/washingtondc.
# # #

Contacts:
Colleen Evans/Michele Klarman
The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Washington, D.C. The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Washington, D.C.
(240) 888 - 6920/(202) 974-4973
Colleen.Evans@ritzcarlton.com Michele.Klarman@ritzcartlton.com

Read more