Disney World Chef Named as James Beard Nominee for Sixth Consecutive Year
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For the sixth year in a row, The James Beard Foundation has named Chef Scott Hunnel of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as a finalist on its annual list of top chefs in the country.
Nominated for the prestigious “Best Chef: South” award, Chef Hunnel is familiar with earning recognition as one of the nation’s best. He also received nominations from the Foundation in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
“The amazing creativity of Chef Scott Hunnel helps make Victoria & Albert’s restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa an unparalleled experience for our Guests,” said Norm Noble, general manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. “For 12 consecutive years, Victoria & Albert’s has been the recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, celebrated the world over thanks to Chef Hunnel’s exquisite culinary creations. Scott’s nomination in the prestigious James Beard Awards for ‘Best Chef: South’ is well deserved.”
Chef Hunnel finds great joy in delivering a ”wow” factor with his culinary creations. He enjoys taking gastronomic journeys around the world for inspiration and ideas. In recent years, his search has taken him to the kitchen of George V in Paris, truffle hunting in Italy, and to markets and restaurants in Hong Kong, Bangkok and London.
“To me, the James Beard recognition is such an honor because the nomination comes from your peers,” said Hunnel. “There are so many talented chefs out there and to be nominated by them is very special.”
Chef Hunnel takes a refreshingly contemporary approach in the kitchen, with a straightforward cooking philosophy: fresh, seasonal ingredients from around the globe with a focus on local markets including seaports in Florida and area farms.
The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and emphasize the Foundation’s mission – celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity. Each year, the Foundation holds an online open call for entries beginning in mid-October.
This year, more than 57,000 entries were received. Semifinalists in 19 awards categories are determined by a governing committee and placed on a nominating ballot sent to more than 550 judges across the country.
Winners will be announced in May during a gala in New York City.
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: Awards, Dining, GF, Grand Floridian, V&A, Victoria & Albert's
Victoria & Albert’s Receives Twelfth Consecutive AAA Five-Diamond Award
For the 12th consecutive year, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’ Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been awarded the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award. Victoria & Albert’s is the only restaurant in Orlando and one of only three in Florida to be honored with the highest accolade a restaurant can achieve.
Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel has drawn national and international applause for his preparation and delivery of American regional cuisine with classical influences at the elegant, 50-seat restaurant.
“Earning the AAA Five-Diamond Award is like winning an Oscar,” said Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel. “To be one of 55 restaurants in all of North America to receive this prestigious award is such an honor. It confirms our philosophy that it takes passion and a synchronized team to deliver consistent, top-quality cuisine night after night!”
A Disney cast member for more than 20 years, Chef Hunnel understands that the fundamentals of cooking don’t change, rather with time, palette’s change. He believes it’s the continuous evolution that goes into each dish that makes the cooking and the menu at Victoria & Albert’s different from other restaurants. To keep pace with the ever-changing food & beverage industry, Chef Hunnel takes gastronomic journeys to visit world-class restaurants, hotels, farms and markets for healthy and savory inspirations.
“Working for Disney has been very gratifying because the company understands that to be the best, we must never stop exploring and growing in constant pursuit of excellence.”
Take for example one of his signature dishes — the prosciutto-wrapped lamb served with cipollini onions and sherry vinaigrette – which tastefully demonstrates classical European influences combined with the culinary expertise behind the Victoria & Albert’s team of award-winning chefs.
“What makes Victoria & Albert’s exceptional is not only the incredible cuisine, but the entire dining experience,” said Kevin Myers, vice president of Walt Disney World Resort Operations. “From reservations, the very personal table-side service, sommeliers, chefs and pastry chefs…..the whole team is dedicated to delivering a memorable evening for each of our guests. We couldn’t be prouder of the entire team.”
Those memorable experiences have led to other accolades including the Orlando Sentinel’s 2011 Culinary Hall of Fame, the Forbes Four Diamond Award, Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award. Chef Hunnel was also a 2011 semi-finalist in the annual list of top chefs in the country by the James Beard Foundation. He has also been recognized annually since 2007 by the Foundation for his refreshingly contemporary approach in the kitchen and straightforward cooking philosophy.
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Awards, Dining, GF, Grand Floridian, V&A
Franck’s Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Undergoes Technological Transformation
Franck’s Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Resort has undergone a major enhancement, bringing high-tech tools to couples tying the knot at the popular wedding destination.
Franck’s, named after the wedding planner character Martin Short played in the film Father of The Bride, was built 15 years ago alongside Disney’s magical Wedding Pavilion. The Victorian summerhouse was created as a one-stop shop for couples to meet with a Disney wedding planner to review all the details for the big event. The immersive studio showcases cakes, linens, floral, table settings and other details for a dream-come-true affair.
A highlight of the Franck’s makeover involves online tools to assist with remote planning, including a Facebook application so couples can easily share details of their wedding with friends and family. The tools also allow guests to accept RSVPs and purchase tickets and room nights. Using Google Earth images and video, the Virtual Venue Tool brings storybook wedding and reception venues at Disney to life with the click of a mouse.
Two new planning rooms, additional computers and televisions, and newly designed furnishings round out the elegant setting.
Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DFTW, Fairy, Franck's Bridal Studio, GF, Grand Floridian
Woman Alleges Sexual Battery in Lawsuit Against Walt Disney World, et al
Marjory Marchand of New York filed a lawsuit in United States District Court earlier this weeking seeking damages in excess of $75,000 from Walt Disney World, Niki Bryan Spas and GF Spa Ltd. Through the complaint, Marchand stated that in July of 2008, as part of a Walt Disney World vacation, she participated in a private massage taking place at the Grand Floridian resort. It was during the massage that Marchand alleges she was violated sexually by a male masseur, resulting in ‘lack of trust, anger, irritability, anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks, feelings of abandonment shame, feelings of being unclean, fear of being alone, poor mood, feeling distracted, confused, and in self-doubt.’
Although the complaint acknowledges that the spa in question is operated by an outside vendor, it includes the Walt Disney World Resort in the action stating that Disney initially represented itself as providing and being directly responsible for the services and did not take necessary measures to protect guests from said harm regardless of the actual service provider.
Categories: Legal, Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Grand Floridian, Lawsuit, Marjory Marchand, Niki Bryan Spas
Photo: Celine Dion Performs at Disney’s Grand Floridian for Christmas Day Parade
When inclimate weather threatened — and even canceled — some performances for the disney Parks Christmas Day parade last week, the performance of Grammy Award winner Celine Dion moved into the nearby Grand Floridian Resort and Spa where Dion filled the main lobby with her voice as well as admirers as shown in this photo from Disney photographer Matt Stroshane.
For full details on the 2009 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, click here.
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: ABC, Celebrities, Celine Dion, Christmas, Events, GF, Grand Floridian, Holidays, Parade
Disney’s Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant Recieves Tenth Consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 24, 2009 – For the 10th year in a row, Victoria & Albert’s restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award. As one of only 52 restaurants to receive this symbol of excellence in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean, Victoria & Albert’s delivers “haute cuisine” with seven-course prix-fixed menus, wine pairings and the finest ingredients from the world market.
At the helm of this critically-acclaimed restaurant is 15-year Victoria & Albert’s veteran, Chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnel.
“It takes every individual on the team to achieve such a great honor consistently, from the reservationists to the wait staff and culinary team,” remarked Hunnel about reaching this prestigious milestone. “The secret to our success is realizing that it’s a continuous journey of reinvention in the restaurant and what we’re doing today has to be better tomorrow.”
Only 0.27 percent of AAA’s 60,000 Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants in North America received this honor for 2010. According to AAA’s ratings guidelines, to achieve Five Diamond status, restaurants must “consistently provide a world-class experience.”
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: AAA, Awards, Dining, GF, Grand Floridian, V&A, Victoria and Albert's
Victoria and Albert’s to Host New Year’s Eve Event for First Time
Orlando’s single five-star restaurant, Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner. The dinner will run from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm with a chef and sommelier preparing an 8 – 10 course menu that includes caviar from around the world and a collection of some of the most eclectic and famous champagnes available. Chef Scott Hunnel and his team will also make personal appearances during the event.
Please note that viewing the fireworks is not included in this package.
The price of the dinner which includes wine and gratuity is $395 plus tax. V&A’s has a strict dress code and does not allow children under the age of 10 to dine at the restaurant, including during this event. Reservations are currently being accepted at 407-WDW-DINE.
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Dining, GF, Grand Floridian, Holidays, New Year's Eve, NYE, V&A, Victoria & Albert's
AGIO to Add New Furniture Collection Inspired by Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Building on the established lines of outdoor furniture inspired by Disney’s Grand Floridian and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, AGIO will introduce a line of furniture based on Disney’s Yacht Club later this fall.
You can find a little bit more information about the upcoming line of furniture here.
Categories: Merchandise, Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: AGIO, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Furniture, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club
Dining Updates: Beaches and Cream Serves Up Breakfast, Victoria & Albert’s Reduces Dinners
DisneyParks has recently announced via its twitter that Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort is now offering breakfast. It has also reported that until September 13, Victoria and Albert’s will have only one seating time of 6pm from Sunday – Thursday and seating times of 5:30 – 6:30 pm and 9 – 9:45 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Beach Club, Dining, Grand Floridian, Victoria & Albert's
Grand Floridian to Host EASY-BAKE 2009 ‘Baker of the Year’ Contest
EASY-BAKE 2009 "Baker of the Year" finalist Catherine Ralston, 12, from New Albany, Ohio pictured with her "sous chef," mother Teresa, presents her creation "Queen of Hearts Strawberry Tart." (Photo: Business Wire)
After searching America’s kitchens since last summer, Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today announced the names of the seven talented child bakers selected to participate in the EASY-BAKE 2009 “Baker of the Year” contest finals. Representing different states across the country, the seven finalists will be flown to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where they will compete for the title of EASY-BAKE 2009 “Baker of the Year” on May 7, 2009.
“We were impressed by the caliber of recipes that we received for the EASY-BAKE 2009 ‘Baker of the Year’ Contest that it was difficult to choose just seven finalists!” said Kim Losey, Senior Brand Manager Global Marketing and Development, for Hasbro’s EASY-BAKE Brand. “The kids participating in the finals really stood out – not only were their recipes outstanding but we were equally impressed by the amount of time, thought, and creativity put forth by each of them.”
Categories: Resorts, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: EASY-BAKE, Grand Floridian, Hasbro
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