Montage Hotels & Resorts Names Craig Strong Executive Chef of Studio at Montage Laguna Beach (United States)
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Montage Hotels & Resorts Names Craig Strong Executive Chef of Studio at Montage Laguna Beach (United States)
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States - Careers
- Appointments
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2009-05-19
Awarding-winning Chef Known for Modern American Cuisine with Mediterranean Influences Takes Helm of Orange County Resort's Mobil Five Star Signature Restaurant In June
Montage Hotels & Resorts today announced the appointment of Craig Strong as Executive Chef of Studio, the Mobil Five Star signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, the company's flagship oceanfront resort. Strong joins Studio in June following an award-winning eight years as Chef de Cuisine at The Dining Room at The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa (formerly Ritz-Carlton) in Pasadena, Calif. Among the many accolades achieved during his tenure are Michelin star ratings for 2007 and 2008 and Strong himself named as a semifinalist for Best Chef/Pacific in the 2009 James Beard Foundation Awards.
"Studio has been instrumental in showcasing our company's passion and innovative approach to the culinary arts and we're pleased to select Craig Strong to head the culinary team," said Alan J. Fuerstman, Founder and CEO, Montage Hotels & Resorts.
"We conducted an extensive nationwide search and firmly believe Craig's inspired culinary talents and personable leadership style will prove to be a great fit for Studio," said James Bermingham, Managing Director of Montage Laguna Beach. "Craig joins a passionate and talented team in Laguna Beach and I look forward to delighting guests and area residents with this exciting next chapter in the evolution of Studio."
Perched at the edge of a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Studio opened in 2003 to critical acclaim under Executive Chef James Boyce, who resigned earlier this year. The craftsman-style restaurant is celebrated for comfortably elegant evenings devoted to fine food and impeccable service. Options include ever-changing a la carte selections, tasting menus and private dinners at the exclusive Chef's Table. All dishes are crafted from the freshest seasonal organic and artisanal ingredients and are paired with wines from the resort's extensive cellars.
"I've always loved Laguna Beach and long-admired Studio. It's a dream come true to join Montage as Studio's Executive Chef," said Strong. "I've been very fortunate in my career and this next step is no exception. The Montage commitment to memorable culinary experiences and the enjoyment of fine wine in comfortable surroundings mirrors my own philosophy. I look forward to an exciting future with this culinary-focused company and their great Studio team."
Strong, known for his modern American cuisine that combines Mediterranean influences with classic French technique, developed a love for cooking at an early age. At age 19, he attended L'Academie de Cuisine near Washington, D.C., and then went on to hold culinary positions in Utah, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. In 1995, he joined The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta, where Chef Joel Antunes' classically trained French background added an international dimension to Strong's style. He then moved to Europe as Sous Chef for The Newport Room at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. Working in Spain led Strong to embrace the bold flavors and rustic style of Spanish cuisine, adding the refinement of French techniques.
Strong returned to his native Southern California as Chef de Cuisine at what is now The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa's Dining Room in Pasadena. During his eight-year tenure, the Dining Room became one of Los Angeles' top destination dining venues and a showcase for his love of pairing fine food with wine. Among many accolades the restaurant received were Gourmet Magazine "60 World's Best Hotel Dining Rooms," Los Angeles Times 3 Star Rating, Food & Wine "50 Best Hotel Restaurants" and California Homes Magazine "#1 Hotel Restaurant." Strong was named runner-up Chef of the Year by Angeleno Magazine.
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