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Francois Behuet has been appointed as Executive Pastry Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Iconic downtown Los Angeles hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, is pleased to announce the addition of its new award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Francois Behuet. In his new role, Behuet oversees pastry for food and beverage outlets at both The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, which include the signature Californian Trattoria, Savoca; Glance Lobby Bar; Illy Caffé; The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge; in-room dining; and an all-new concept coming to the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles in late 2022.

Iconic Hayes Mansion in Bay Area Unveils $20 Million Renovation and Joins Curio Collection by Hilton

The Hayes Mansion San Jose (Hayes Mansion), a California historical landmark, announces the completion of its transformative renovations that includes 214 revamped guest rooms and suites, 33,000-square-feet of upgraded event space and a reimagined lobby. The design was led by ForrestPerkins, a premier hospitality design group with extensive Hilton and historic hotel experience. The original luxury estate structure was constructed in 1905 and is situated on six acres of prime real estate adjacent to a 20-acre park located minutes from downtown San Jose. The property hosts a variety of premier outdoor spaces that can accommodate the most intimate of celebrations to the largest of gatherings across two pristine lawns and patio areas. Hayes Mansion is owned by a joint venture lead by JMA Ventures, LLC, and operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.

Danielle Seipp has been promoted to Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Seipp joined the Vernick Coffee Bar team in 2018 and has been with the property since opening. In her new role as the Hotel's Executive Pastry Chef, Seipp will oversee each of the outlet's pastry and bread production including Jean-Georges Philadelphia, JG SkyHigh, Vernick Fish, Vernick Coffee Bar, as well as banquets. She has more than 10 years of experience in dessert creation, management of operations on a company-wide level, with accolades spanning different food publications including Zagat's 30 Under 30. Previously, Seipp was with Vetri Family as the executive pastry chef.

Ryan Schmitt has been promoted to Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

With experience spanning across the country, Chef Schmitt carries more than ten years within the brand, including Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Hills. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Schmitt's career gravitated toward pastry, where he worked for legendary chefs and restaurateurs including the late Michel Richard and Gordon Ramsay. In his new position as Executive Sous Chef, Schmitt will direct daily culinary operations at Jean-Georges Philadelphia, JG SkyHigh, Vernick Fish and Vernick Coffee Bar, while overseeing food and beverage offerings for meetings, corporate events, local catering functions, and special occasions in the Hotel's 15,602 square feet (1,450 square metres) of event space. Prior to joining the opening team as Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center team, Schmitt was the Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Denver.

Damien Graef has been appointed as Jean-Georges Sommelier at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Graef will oversee the Hotel's wine program for Jean-Georges Philadelphia and JG SkyHigh, including the pairings for the tasting menus. For more than 13 years Graef has worked in fine dining restaurants throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, serving in roles from server assistant to general manager, and as he puts it, "fell in love with wine along the way." He owns Bibber & Bell, a neighbourhood wine store in Williamsburg focused on small, organic producers. He also currently runs the wine list for Barboncino, a pizzeria and restaurant also located in Brooklyn. His relationships with independent and small-batch wineries will be reflected on the wine list and allow guests to discover new bottles.

Fabio Pineda has been appointed as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Chef Pineda's responsibilities include overseeing all culinary operations of the Hotel, as well as building and fostering relationships with local purveyors and farmers to provide a locally-influenced quality of food for the restaurants and event spaces. Pineda has more 20 years of culinary experience working in the US, UAE, Oman, Thailand, and China, and brings a strong knowledge in Mediterranean, modern American, Latin, and Asian cuisine. Not a stranger to the Four Seasons family, Pineda worked at Four Seasons Hotel Miami from 2004 to 2008 as Junior Sous Chef. He has held several executive and leadership roles in properties around the world under Fairmont Turnberry, Fairmont Dubai, Swiss Hotel Bangkok, Shangri La Oman, Ritz Carlton Sanya, The Address Dubai, and Ritz Carlton Shanghai. Most recently Pineda served as the executive chef at the EDITION Miami Beach where he led two very successful Jean-Georges restaurants, Matador Room and Market.

Danish inspired Hotel Hygge opens in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley

Highway West Vacations, a collection of 15 glamping, camping and boutique hotel accommodations throughout the United States, announces the debut of Hotel Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh), a charming 23-room property in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Located in Buellton, Calif., the opening of the hotel marks an exciting expansion for Highway West Vacations, now offering five properties in the region.

Nusrat Mirza has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Marriott International (Marriott.com) has appointed industry veteran, Nusrat Mirza as the General Manager of the iconic Palm Desert hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (www.desertspringsresort.com). Nusrat Mirza takes on an all-encompassing role at the newly-renovated, 450-acre property, which recently debuted 884 redesigned guest rooms, including 101 suites, along with a reimagined spa and event venues.

Pacifica Hotels Unveils Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Today, Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels along the Pacific Coast, unveils the latest addition to its portfolio with the debut of Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara opens its doors after an extensive remodel and rebrand, offering 61 well-appointed guest rooms and suites.

Marriott Columbia Completes Guest Rooms and Suites Renovation

Marriott Columbia announces the completion of its guest rooms and suites renovation. Owned and managed by Columbia Sussex, the Marriott Columbia is located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, which encompasses a 36-block area, and is minutes from the State Capital, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, historic homes, and Bull Street Stadium. Columbia also is home to the University of South Carolina and has hosted Southeast Conference football teams, fans and performers at Colonial Life Arena and Township Auditorium from Bob Dylan to Elton John.