"New Waldorf Astoria® Orlando To Continue Culinary Legacy Of Original New York Landmark"
July 21, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla., – Raising the bar on culinary excellence in Orlando, the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria® Orlando – opening October 1, 2009 – will introduce the restaurants of the Park Avenue landmark to the local dining scene and mark the first time these acclaimed venues will be operated outside of New York City.
The four Waldorf Astoria signature restaurants will serve the distinctive cuisine made famous by John Doherty, author of The Waldorf Astoria Cookbook and the executive chef of The Waldorf Astoria. The resort will also be home to a gourmet poolside grill, the first-ever for the venerable brand.
"Orlando, much like Manhattan, welcomes sophisticated palates from around the world and we look forward to adding the Bull & Bear, Oscar's, Peacock Alley and Sir Harry's to the growing list of world-class food and beverage offerings here," states Director of Marketing Tom Parke. "With Chef Doherty as the resort's culinary advisor, The Waldorf Astoria Orlando restaurants are sure to be popular with resort guests, Orlando visitors and residents, alike."
The original Waldorf Astoria is a gastronomic icon and the birthplace of many timeless classics including the Waldorf Salad, Veal Oscar, Red Velvet Cake, Thousand Island Dressing and the Manhattan cocktail. The legendary hotel was also the first to offer 24-hour room service to guests including dignitaries, stars of stage and screen, and every U.S. president since 1931.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will re-create its namesake hotel's distinguished dining options down to the last detail. The world renowned Bull & Bear® Steakhouse, known for its hearty portions of steak, chops and seafood, will be reborn in Orlando.
The Bull & Bear will be the only in Florida to serve Prime Grade Certified Angus Beef®, the highest available in the U.S.
The resort will also feature Oscar's® American Brasserie, a casual gathering place named after Oscar Tschirky. He created its many signature dishes including the namesake veal dish topped with lump crab: Veal Oscar. The restaurant will feature an eclectic menu that innovatively marries contemporary American dishes with authentic versions of Oscar's originals. The Orlando locale will keep with the tradition of a wide selection of micro-brews and inviting appetizers that stimulate a sense of fun and comradely.
The modern elegance of Peacock Alley® – one of New York City's most popular bars – will also take up residence in Orlando. This prime spot for people watching is located just steps away from the resort's lobby clock, a replica of the one found in the Park Avenue lobby. Peacock Alley's inspired menu of small plates and its Sunday Brunch are sure to make it an instant Orlando favorite.
When the sun goes down the distinctive ambiance of Sir Harry's® Lounge will welcome guests again and again. The handsome lounge has the ambiance of a private club, along with an extensive menu of cocktails, beers and wines from around the world.
The resort's poolside grill Aquamarine® will mirror the taste and sophistication of its sister venues. Guests can enjoy garden-fresh salads and exquisite views of the lagoon-style infinity pool and lushly landscaped grounds.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The Waldorf Astoria® Orlando, offering the highest level of amenities and services expected at the most extraordinary properties across the globe, is the first outside of New York. Built from the ground up, the 482-acre resort will emulate the elegance and grandeur of its Manhattan namesake. Surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort, the resort is 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport and five miles from private jet preferred Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Convenient Orlando attractions include Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Arts and Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.
Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the resort will feature 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and pre-function area, a 7,025 yard Rees Jones-designed championship 18-hole golf course, signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage venues, a formal swimming pool with private cabanas, recreation pool, and a 24,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and Fitness Center. The adjacent Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will complement the resort with specialty restaurants and extensive meeting space. For more information, please call 407-597-5500 or visit www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com.
CONTACTS:
Mike Hicks / Gina Stouffer
Lou Hammond & Associates
michaelh@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
561-655-3836
