Waldorf Astoria® Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Name Francis Metais Director of Food and Beverage
April 20, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2009 – Francis Metais has been named director of food and beverage for the new Waldorf Astoria® Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, it has been announced by Peter Kacheris, managing director for the landmark resort complex, scheduled to open October 1, 2009.
In his new position, Metais is charged with directing catering and in-room dining departments, as well as 11 restaurants, which include legendary Waldorf Astoria venues such as Bull & Bear Steakhouse®, Oscars and Peacock Alley. Additionally, he will oversee new restaurant concepts: La Luce®, the creation of famed Napa Valley Chef Donna Scala; the poolside Aquamarine; hip coffee bar Sucré®, and family friendly Harvest® Bistro.
"Francis Metais is up to the challenge of delivering an unrivaled culinary product and introducing these well-known Waldorf Astoria restaurants outside New York for the first time," stated Kacheris.
A 20-year veteran of the culinary industry, Metais joins the Bonnet Creek project having most recently served as director of hotel and food operations for Apollo Ships Chandler, which provides catering to such award-winning cruise lines as Regent
Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
Prior to his Apollo post, he was owner and partner of Orlando-based Anaelle & Hugo Restaurant and its commercial pastry kitchen. Metais first made his mark on the hospitality scene with the Walt Disney Company, serving as food and beverage director for Disney Cruise Line, executive corporate chef for Disneyland Paris and executive chef at Epcot, among other positions. In addition, he has trained at Spago with Wolfgang Puck and held chef positions with Starwood and Kempinski hotels.
A graduate of the French Culinary School of Art in Paris, Metais and his family reside in Orlando.
Bonnet Creek, Opening October 1, 2009
Surrounded on three sides by the Walt Disney World® Resort, Bonnet Creek is a 482-acre vacation destination encompassing the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will emulate the elegance and grandeur of its legendary New York namesake. Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the property will feature signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments such as Peacock Alley and Bull & Bear, 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. The outdoor facilities boast a formal signature pool, encircled by chic private cabanas and complimented by lush tropical landscaping.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will transcend the travel experience with 1,000 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, six distinct dining options, a two-acre lagoon-style pool, 122,000 square feet of meeting space and a variety of pre-function areas. Its outdoor venues include Bonnet Creek Island, a private retreat ideal for cocktails or storybook weddings.
Guests of both properties can take advantage of the Rees Jones-designed Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, WA Kids children's program, 24,000-sq.-ft. Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and 4,000-sq.-ft. fitness center.
For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, please call (407) 597-5500 or visit www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com. For more information on the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, please call (407) 597-3600 or visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com.
CONTACTS:
Mike Hicks / Gina Stouffer
Lou Hammond & Associates
michaelh@lhammond.com
ginag@lhammond.com
561-655-3836
www.louhammond.com
