CHICAGO (October 22, 2024) – Today, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announces the A Taste of Thompson Chef Series, an innovative content and dining series with esteemed leading chefs and restaurateurs at Thompson Hotels properties: Ludo Lefebvre (of Chez Maggy at Thompson Denver), Quentin Garcia (of newly opened Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs), and Enrique Olvera (of Manta at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico). The new series offers audiences a look into the daily lives of these acclaimed culinary creatives, and an immersion into the distinct culinary culture they have each established within their respective communities.
“A Taste of Thompson Chef Series offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the unique backgrounds and culinary journeys of our chefs, showcasing how their personal stories and experiences influence their cooking styles, revealing a side of them beyond the chef’s coat,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, vice president and global brand leader, lifestyle & luxury brands, Hyatt. “Building on Thompson Hotels’ ability to identify the best culinary collaborations that promise to bring authentic culture to the guest experience, this series pulls back the curtain on prolific chefs, Ludo, Quentin and Enrique – the food they are most passionate about, and how they are shifting today’s culinary landscape within and beyond the walls of their kitchens.”
As part of Thompson Hotels’ thriving Culture Lives Here platform, this series will foster a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests, locals, and savvy foodies to become immersed in the worlds and homes of each chef through captivating content and a unique dining experience.
MEET THE CHEFS
The content series, rolling out exclusively on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook includes three human-first chapters showcasing a theme central to the chef’s ethos – the meaning of family and sacrifice with Chef Ludo (live now HERE), importance of hustle and balance with Chef Quentin (stay tuned this winter) and ‘lo viejo es nuevo, lo nuevo es viejo’ meaning what’s old is new, what’s new is old with Chef Enrique (stay tuned early next year). Within the episodes, each of their unique lifestyles is highlighted, shedding light onto their intentional techniques, formal and informal culinary training, work-life balance, and inspiration from their heritage.
DINING EXPERIENCES
Each chef’s journey will culminate with a bespoke, ticketed dining experience, bringing the storytelling from the screen to the table for attendees to witness the chefs in their respective elements for one night only. Curated and hosted by the globally renowned chefs, these once-in-a-lifetime dinners will invite attendees into each chef’s kitchens and inner circles, complete with behind-the-scenes looks, special stories, and more, available only to those in attendance. Featuring a thoughtfully crafted menu reflecting the chefs’ individual stories and journeys, the delectable dishes and accompanying beverages will showcase the artistry and ingenuity of each chef. These lively evenings of conversation, connection, and inspiration will take place in December 2024 through early 2025 and include:
The Meaning of Family and Sacrifice with Ludo Lefebvre: Chef Ludo’s revolutionary and bold spin on French gastronomy will be highlighted at Thompson Denver’s Chez Maggy on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“It is an honor to share my culinary life story with Thompson Hotels guests – from learning discipline in the kitchen and special moments cooking with my grandmother, to taking a leap to hone my craft in the U.S. and as I get older, creating food memories with my family,” said Chef Ludo Lefebvre, award-winning French restaurateur, pop-up impresario, author, television personality and owner of Chez Maggy at Thompson Denver. “I look forward to welcoming guests and locals for a celebration at Chez Maggy that brings my journey as a chef to life, with stories and traditions behind every dish.”
The Importance of Hustle and Balance with Quentin Garcia: This immersive evening will spotlight Chef Quentin’s elevated approach to Levantine cuisine at Thompson Palm Springs’ Lola Rose Grand Mezze on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
“It’s a special privilege to take Thompson Hotels’ guests on my adventure of becoming a chef, beginning at the age of 11 years old, to Denmark and now back in my hometown to launch Thompson Palm Springs,” said Chef Quentin Garcia, French-trained, Mediterranean-inspired California native and Executive Chef of Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs. “All that I’ve learned in my career, including fostering community within the culture of my kitchen, drawing inspiration and balance through my natural surroundings, and more, will be showcased with a special menu and evening at Lola Rose Grand Mezze.”
‘Lo Viejo es Nuevo, Lo Nuevo es Viejo’ (What’s Old is New, What’s New is Old) with Enrique Olvera: Chef Enrique’s global vision for Mexican cuisine will come to life at 2024 MICHELIN Key property, The Cape, A Thompson Hotel’s restaurant Manta in early 2025.
“For me, cooking has always been about bringing the authentic flavors of my Mexican heritage to modern diners, and it’s been a pleasure to share my unique story with Thompson Hotels,” said Chef Enrique Olvera, esteemed Mexican chef, industry innovator, restauranteur, TV personality, author, and creative chef of Manta at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel. “The name of our restaurant, Manta has a double meaning that symbolizes the kitchen’s focus on seafood as in ‘manta ray,’ while manta also serves as the Spanish word for canvas. This conveys the idea of freedom in artistic expression that we hope everyone can feel in the dishes we create.”
Culture Lives Here is a platform that spans the Thompson Hotels portfolio, honoring and celebrating the creators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who are making a significant impact across different facets of culture like art, music, food, design, and more. This includes annual collaborations with emerging local talent driving on-the-ground cultural legacies and futures through Culture Shifter Collaborations, taking place in late 2024 through early 2025 in Washington DC, Palm Springs, Madrid, and Houston, and more chances for culinary moments through A Taste of Thompson Dinner Parties – personalized, bookable dining experiences where hosts can be true arbiters of local culture, while making the feat of hosting effortless.
To reserve a ticket to the Thompson Denver dining experience, please visit the reservation page HERE. As an extension of World of Hyatt’s reimagined program benefits, members can redeem an exclusive ticketing package via the FIND Experiences platform. In addition to a multi-course meal with wine pairing option, these include meet-and-greets with the chefs, hotel stays and more, designed to inspire holistic moments of discovery for members. Reserve the FIND Experiences package HERE and stay tuned to reserve The Cape and Thompson Palm Springs’ tickets, slated to go live soon.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
