NATIONAL REPORT—As guests increasingly crave memorable dining experiences, hotels and restaurants are stepping up their game with the addition of new executive chefs and directors of F&B to elevate the culinary craft.
Executive Chef Named for Banyan Tree Phucket’s Signature Restaurant
Banyan Tree Phucket’s Signature Restaurant, Tre, has appointed Chandra Mohan Arunasalam as executive chef. He’s worked at The Peninsula Chicago; The French Laundry; Alinea; Trio; Grace Restaurant Chicago; and Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Adds Executive Chef
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has hired Brian Sundeen as its executive chef. He transferred from The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where he was the executive chef. He’s known for his signature pastries and desserts, as well as the annual gingerbread display that he designs and creates for the holiday season.
Argonaut Hotel Appoints Irfan Mohamed as Director of F&B Outlets
Argonaut Hotel has appointed Irfan Mohamed as director of F&B outlets. His most recent role was GM of restaurant & bar at Michael Symon Restaurant & Bar, Tap House & Kitchen. For seven years, he worked with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in the Pittsburgh, San Jose, Hawaii, and San Francisco locations as director of beverage and banquet operations. Previously, Mohamed was the director of banquets at the iconic Fairmont Hotel and Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar in San Francisco. Before that role, he served two years as director of banquets for The Westin San Francisco and three years as banquet & restaurant manager at The Hotel Vitale San Francisco.
Charlotte Marriott City Center New Director of Eat & Drink,
Charlotte Marriott City Center in Charlotte, NC, has hired Todd Brinkman as its new director of Eat & Drink. Previously, he was the lead sommelier at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay in California. Previous positions include director of restaurants at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, and director of F&B at L’Auberge de Sedona, AZ. He was on the opening team of the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Marana, AZ, overseeing the property’s beverage program.
Conrad New York Appoints Director of Catering and Events
Conrad New York has appointed Trevor Brune to director of catering and events. With more than 12 years of hospitality experience, Brune brings targeted knowledge in event trends and guest relations expertise to lower Manhattan’s only all-suite luxury hotel where he will manage the planning and execution of all operations by Union Square Events, the hotel’s exclusive catering partner.