Thierry Connault Appointed Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Paul Loisel, Communications Manager
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
921 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112
Direct: (504) 670-2817 and Cell: (504) 913-4114
E-Mail: paul.loisel@ritzcarlton.com

THIERRY CONNAULT APPOINTED EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS, La. - January 10, 2013 - Thierry Connault has been appointed to the position of Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.  Connault will join The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans culinary team in January of 2013 to oversee the operations for M bistro, The Davenport Lounge, banquets, in-room dining, garde manger, pastry, employee cafeteria and spa café for the city's premier luxury property.

Before becoming the Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, Connault was the Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica.  During his tenure in Jamaica, he oversaw culinary operations for four (5) restaurants (Horizon, Mangos, Reggae Jerk Center, White Witch, and Cohoba Lounge), banquets, in-room dining, garde manger, pastry, employee cafeteria. 

Since his first job at age 16 as an apprentice at a small country inn in Normandy, France, Connault has worked at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain Georgia, Paris Resort and Casino (Las Vegas), Bally Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas), Flamingo Hilton (Las Vegas) and various other restaurants around the world.

Connault is a native of Normandy, France and is excited to become a part of New Orleans' culinary community.  He describes his style of cooking as "contemporary American, obviously influenced by French tradition. I like the food to taste how it is supposed to, using the freshest ingredients. When you combine skill and technique with great ingredients, you will always have a complete and delicious dish.  I believe that cooking should be fun."

Chef Connault says that he was drawn to the rich culinary history of New Orleans. "What drew me (to New Orleans) is certainly the great food tradition.  It is one of the few regions in the United States that has such a rich culinary history. Being on the gulf with all of the fresh seafood that is available makes New Orleans a place like no other."

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

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