Chef Takes Reign Leading Culinary Vision at Downtown Phoenix Hotel
Chad McDonald, Executive Chef
PHOENIX – (Dec. 3, 2013) – The Westin Phoenix Downtown is pleased to announce that Chad McDonald has been appointed to executive chef of the hotel. McDonald brings with him many years of culinary experience, passion and inspiration to his new role.
McDonald joined the culinary team at The Westin Phoenix Downtown in February 2012 as the banquet sous chef where he focused his attention on the culinary aspects of the hotel’s catered and social functions. Just 20 months later, McDonald has now been named executive chef at the hotel. In his new role as executive chef, McDonald plans to introduce more farm-to-table concepts into each menu that showcase local ingredients. Additionally, he will oversee the daily operations, staff recruitment and training for the kitchen at the hotel and the Latin-inspired restaurant at the hotel, Province. He will also be responsible for creating menus and recipes for all featured dishes as well as upholding excellent restaurant standards.
“We are pleased Chef McDonald has accepted the challenge as executive chef for The Westin Phoenix Downtown,” said General Manager Todd Iacono. ”With his proven dedication and determination to lead and inspire others, and his passion for the culinary and hospitality industries, we are confident Chad will shine in his role.”
McDonald has a passionate vision for the future where restaurant dinner guests and banquet attendees alike will be able to enjoy exceptional cuisine and premium service in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
“As executive chef at The Westin Phoenix Downtown, I look forward to inspiring our team, teaching our cooks how to handle the many products, giving the cooks opportunities to be their very best, and creating an appreciation for the simplicity of a great dish,” said McDonald. “Growing up on a farm, we raised our own produce and animals, so I have a great understanding of what it takes to put your heart and soul into something.”
McDonald knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a chef and so he followed his passion and started his culinary career like many chefs – as a young man looking to earn some money while still attending school. Growing up in a small town, he first worked in a ‘mom and pop’ meat market, and then at various jobs in hometown restaurants.
He has held notable culinary positions at well-known eateries and hospitality venues. Before joining The Westin Phoenix Downtown Hotel, McDonald was the executive sous chef at Prasino in Chicago and La Grange, Ill. Prior to that, he was executive sous chef at Wyndham Drake Hotel in Oakbrook, Ill., and sous chef at 1886 Café in the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Tex.
McDonald attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas, where he fine-tuned his technique, method and culinary abilities.
When he is not in the kitchen, McDonald enjoys outdoor activities like camping, fishing and shooting, and he really appreciates working with his hands on welding and wood working projects. Most importantly, he loves working with kids and the community and wants to pass along his knowledge to younger generations – especially his culinary skills!
The Westin Phoenix Downtown and Province, 333 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
About The Westin Phoenix Downtown Hotel
The Westin Phoenix Downtown opened on March 10, 2011, as a boutique hotel with 242 guestrooms and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. Located on floors 11 through 18 in the Freeport-McMoRan Center, the hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Valley. The hotel offers signature services and amenities such as the Westin Heavenly Bed®, Westin Heavenly Shower® and Westin Workout®. Province, the hotel’s restaurant, combines Old World and new world culinary sensibilities and features Latin-inspired American cuisine. For additional information about the hotel or for reservations, please visit www.westinphoenixdowntown.com.
About Province
In March 2011, downtown Phoenix became home to the second location of Province, a new restaurant concept that blends Old World and new world culinary sensibility. Province is a seasonal American restaurant with cuisine inspired by South America and Spain. The ingredients used to craft the dishes and cocktails are sourced from a variety of local, natural and sustainable sources. Located at the corner of Central and Van Buren inside The Westin Phoenix Downtown, Province features a comfortable, modern setting and offers everyday dining options for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner. For additional information about the hotel or for reservations, please visit www.provincerestaurant.com.
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