Sweet Olive in the Saint Hotel Announces New Executive Chef and Menu Featuring Louisiana Cuisine with a Creative Twist

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SWEET OLIVE IN THE SAINT HOTEL ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF AND MENU FEATURING LOUISIANA CUISINE WITH A CREATIVE TWIST
New Menu Will Please Both Locals and Travelers Alike

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 29, 2012) - Sweet Olive, the restaurant located in The Saint Hotel, is making news with a brand new menu and executive chef. Louisiana native, Marcus Woodham, has been named Executive Chef of Sweet Olive, and has big plans for the unique space.

"We are thrilled to have Chef Marcus join our team as the Executive Chef of Sweet Olive. His raw, creative talent, combined with his invaluable experience is something that is going to make Sweet Olive as one of the best restaurants in the city," said Mark Wyant, owner and developer of The Saint Hotel.

Sweet Olive will be Chef Marcus' fifth restaurant opening. Woodham was a consulting chef for the opening of Capdeville in February 2010, and for the opening of Ste. Marie in January 2011. Marcus was responsible for designing the layout of each kitchen as well as each restaurant's distinctive menu. He brings six years of experience as the sous chef of Patois, and last year he partnered with Aaron Burgau, Leon Touzet and Pierre Touzet in the opening of Tru Burger.

With Sweet Olive's clean, modern interior, the new menu reflects Chef Marcus' Louisiana roots. Guests of Sweet Olive can expect to find traditional Louisiana cuisine, infused with Chef Marcus' creative twist. The menu features dishes such as Fried Oysters Burgundy topped with a sauce choron, Sugarcane Glazed Shrimp Salad with spiced pecans, and Crab & Corn Lasagna with pickled peppers and Brie.

"My vision for Sweet Olive is to create a casual atmosphere with a fine dining level of food. With Sweet Olive's new menu, I have aimed to create something locals have been eating their entire lives, only with a creative spin to it. My goal is to build a restaurant where people come in and just enjoy each other over a good meal," said Chef, Marcus. "The most beautiful thing about food is its power to bring people together."

Sweet Olive is open daily, 6:00am - 10:30am for breakfast, weekdays 6:00pm - 10pm, and weekends 6:00pm - 10:30pm for dinner. The Burgundy Bar, across the lobby from Sweet Olive serves selected menu items all day, and the full menu is available 24 hours a day via room service.

BACKGROUND:
Built in 1909 and located on Canal Street at Burgundy Street in the world famous New Orleans French Quarter, the historic landmark Audubon Building has been totally renovated and re-christened as The Saint Hotel. Striking a balance between its storied past and limitless future, The Saint Hotel will provide the ultimate luxury lifestyle destination, following its recent $45 million dollar purchase and transformation. The property will reflect a new and contemporary spirit and look while staying true to important designs and traditions, such as the opulent grandeur of the Beaux Arts décor and era. The 166-room, 8-story Saint Hotel includes 320 sq. ft. modern guest rooms; 1450 sq. ft. of meeting and special event space; Sweet Olive, a chef-driven modern American restaurant; the Burgundy Bar offering live jazz saluting the sounds of Louis Armstrong; and Halo, a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of downtown New Orleans.

This one-of-a-kind property will provide memorable experiences and surprises with a spontaneous, haute bohemian eclectic, eccentric and edgy sophistication for even the most sophisticated traveler. Ideal for leisure or business, The Saint Hotel is located on the Canal Street streetcar line and a short walk from the French Quarter's charming galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and music-filled nightclubs while also convenient to the Riverwalk, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Aquarium of the Americas and Harrah's Casino. It is minutes from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the New Orleans Arena. http://www.thesainthotelneworleans.com/ (www.facebook.com/TheSaintHotel) (www.twitter.com/TheSaintHotel )

ABOUT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION:
Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent luxury hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is a unique array of properties that is nothing less than completely eclectic, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit http://www.autographhotels.com/

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