CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwire - Mar 6, 2012) - Jean-Pierre Marechal, Executive Chef of Savannah Red Restaurant & Wine Bar and the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel, one of the luxury hotels near Charlotte Bobcats Arena, has been named 2011 American Culinary Federation's Charlotte "Chef of the Year" it was announced by Gary Oikemus, Director of Hotel Operations.
Chef Marechal was recognized for his significant contributions to the ACF Charlotte community as well as his use of locally grown products and commitment to "farm-to-table" cuisine.
Belgian born, Chef Jean Pierre has always been passionate about food and started working in the kitchen when he was only 12. Growing up in Belgium, he entered culinary school at the age of 14 and graduated at 17. He then did his post-graduation work with an emphasis on hotel operations and administration.
With his coursework complete, he then traveled the world becoming a renowned "Garde-Manger" and banquet chef with the Club Med organization. This opportunity took him around the world on five continents and more than 21 countries including France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Israel, Malaysia, Japan and the Caribbean.
Jean-Pierre then opened the first Renaissance hotel in South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He moved with Renaissance to the United States in 2000, starting in Chicago, then relocating to San Diego. He later moved to Charlotte in October 2004 and has transformed the banquet department at the Marriott City Center Hotel into one of the finest culinary operations in the Southeast. He speaks seven languages and his culinary tendencies are French-Mediterranean with a touch of South American.
Today he oversees the kitchen at Savannah Red, one of the finest uptown Charlotte, NC restaurants, where his cuisine has been declared "The boldest food in Charlotte" by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Jean-Pierre Marechal uses local, hand-picked produce and time-tested flavors of traditional southern cooking combined with a contemporary twist. In the summer of 2009, Chef Jean-Pierre was invited to cook at The James Beard House in New York City.
About the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel
Situated in the heart of downtown Charlotte, NC, the Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel, one of the top hotels in uptown Charlotte, NC recently completed a $10 million renovation. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with 37" LCD TVs and new Marriott signature bedding as well as completely overhauled wired and wireless Internet. The Charlotte hotel's many dining and cocktail outlets include fine dining at Savannah Red Restaurant and Wine Bar, spirits and smoking at Cutter's Cigar Bar, a fun and relaxed atmosphere at Champion's Sports Bar & Restaurant, as well as the new Rooftop Garden. Other facilities include a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and whirlpool. For additional information, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltcc-charlotte-marriott-city-center/ or call 704-333-9000.
About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Larry Cassenti
Marriott International, Inc.
704-333-9000
