CONTACT:
Aurelia Vasquez
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
305-510-2140
aurelia.vasquez@hyatt.com
Erika Garcia – Lavyne
erika.lavyne@hyatt.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HYATT REGENCY ATLANTA CHEF RODNEY ASHLEY WINS
CULINARY CHALLENGE AT ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT
After defeating 12 regional chefs, Hyatt Regency Atlanta’s Rodney Ashley claims first prize in Hyatt Hotels & Resorts national The Good Taste Series competition
CHICAGO (November 6, 2014) – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts today announced the winner of its first The Good Taste Series competition, Chef de Cuisine, Rodney Ashley of Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Judged by a panel of food industry and hospitality veterans, the twelve contestants prepared two food items which incorporated local ingredients, regional influences and represented Hyatt’s global food philosophy, Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served. Each plate was judged on taste, presentation, technique and authenticity. The Chefs earned additional points by incorporating two surprise ingredients into their dishes: Bacon and Lilikoi (Passion Fruit native to Hawai’i).
“We are extremely proud of Chef Ashley and all of the competitors who represent the fresh, creative talent we have within this company,” said Susan Terry, Vice President, Culinary Operations, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “This innovative competition is centered on developing Hyatt Sous Chefs, and helps showcase not only our culinary talent, but also our commitment to our guests’ overall culinary experience,” Terry added.
Chef Ashley presented two plates, in two categories. The first category was Chef Ashley’s interpretation of, “street food,” in which the item had to be eaten by hand, or with a small utensil. For this dish, Chef Ashley presented Veal Cheek and Anasazi Bean Stuffed Sopapilla, Hatch Green Chile. The second category was focused on an item that represented each competitor’s background or culture. Originally from New Mexico, Chef Ashley prepared Charred Wild Boar Tamale, New Mexico Red Chile, Avocado Lilikoi.
“Winning this competition is particularly meaningful since my love for cooking and passion for food started with emulating my parents. Both of the dishes I presented speak to my childhood, my background and my family. Additionally, this experience has brought so many new ideas, and I am excited to share all that I learned with my team at Hyatt Regency Atlanta,” said Chef Rodney Ashley, Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
As winner of The Good Taste Series, Chef Ashley receives an additional week of paid vacation, plus air and travel accommodations for two, to any Hyatt destination of choice within the U.S., Canada or Caribbean; as well as bragging rights until next year’s challenge.
The Good Taste Series competition was comprised of twelve chefs that won regional competitions that took place earlier this year:
Rodney Ashley, Chef de Cuisine, Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Matthew Buchan, Executive Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency St. Louis
Bradley Deboy, Sous Chef, Park Hyatt Washington
Paul Dobroski, Chef de Cuisine, Park Hyatt Chicago
Matthew Garelick, Chef de Cuisine, Grand Hyatt New York
Jesse. J Harris-Lockard, Banquet Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency Austin
Gary Johnson, Lead Cook, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Dennis Kim, Chef de Partie Park Hyatt Toronto
Sean Leone, Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Patrick Mohn, Executive Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
Eric Rogalski, Banquet Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
Noel Willhite, Sous Chef, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
The Good Taste Series final event was judged by a panel of esteemed industry professionals that included:
Chef Sheldon Simeon, Migrant Maui
Sam Bhandarkar – Director of Events, American Chef Federation
Beverly Stephen – Editor in Chief, Food Arts magazine
Naomi Tomky – Editor in Chief, Gastrognome.com
Beth Weitzman – Vice President Editorial, Modern Luxury Publications
For additional high-res photos from the event, please contact Erika Garcia-Lavyne at Erika.lavyne@hyatt.com.
For more information about Hyatt’s FTSCS philosophy, visit: www.hyattfood.com
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Residences® and Hyatt Residence Club® brand names and have locations on six continents. As of September 30, 2014, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 573 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
Maralyn D. Hill
Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed., The Epicurean Explorer
Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com
Check out our Indiegogo campaign
Luxe Beat Magazine Digital Editions now online at http://luxebeatmag.com/magazine/
Freelance Lifestyle Journalist
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
Board Member, Co-Chair Conference & Media Trip Committee, Past President
Member: Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
Member: Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Blogs: Where and What in the World & Success with Writing
https://authorcentral.amazon.
Follow me: @maralynhill
FB: http://www.facebook.com/The.Epicurean.Explorer,, http://www.facebook.com/WhereandWhat.intheWorld, http://www.facebook.com/Success.With.Writing
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/maralynhill
We welcome press releases on the food, wine, travel, and items related to the hospitality industry. We receive emails with more than we can post to our service. If you would like to post a press release, please click the the submission tab to get the form to upload your release. You can also upload three photos. It will go in pending and be scheduled, unless it is unappropriate. This will enable more of you to have your releases up in a timely manner.
