ELIO SCANU TAPPED AS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF AT EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT & LAS CASITAS VILLAGE, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT
Chef Scanu brings exciting new flavors with traditional Puerto Rican touches to the world class luxury resort on the Island of Enchantment
Fajardo, Puerto Rico – February 13, 2013 - El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, a Waldorf Astoria Resort announces the appointment of Elio Scanu as Executive Chef.
Chef Scanu will manage the resort’s dining outlets including its signature steakhouse Strip House, banquet services and in-room dining. With a focus on delivering an exceptional culinary experience, Chef Scanu will introduce his innovative cuisine while nurturing the personalized guest service and fulfillment that makes a holiday or an event at El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village a memorable occasion. Chef Scanu boasts a brilliant career, most recently serving as General Manager / Executive Chef / Food and Beverage Director at Zucca Trattoria and Market in Ogden, UT. Prior to Zucca, Scanu worked at the Snowbasin Resort Company in Huntsville, UT, where he served as Executive Chef. In addition, Chef Scanu also worked as a Freelance Consultant for Skiconsult in Huntsville, UT.
“We are thrilled and fortunate to have Chef Scanu lead our amazing culinary team," said Dermot Connolly, managing director, El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village. "He has served in some of the world’s best restaurants and developed a bold, clean style focused on local ingredients and influences. We know he will be very well received here in Puerto Rico and we look forward to the inventive cuisine he will bring to our property.”
In addition to his European apprenticeship in world-class kitchens and attending The Culinary Institute of America’s Continuing Education Program for his Professional Cook’s Skill Development program, Chef Scanu recently earned a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski Park, VT.
“I am delighted to be given this opportunity to provide some of my signature creations to guests at El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village,” said Scanu. “Having worked with many different nationalities in several countries including Italy, UK, Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama, I enjoy blending influences and creating one-of-a-kind dishes. Puerto Rico is renowned for its superb gastronomic offerings and I’m looking forward to contributing to this reputation.”
Scanu has collected a variety of achievements throughout his career, namely: Zagat Rated Restaurants, “Best Restaurant in Northern Utah” awards, The Huntington Room, Salt lake Magazine, 2007, Zucca Trattoria, Salt Lake Magazine, 2009 – 2010 – 2011, Snowbasin # 2 ski resort for Food on the Mountain in North America according to the reader’s survey by Ski Magazine, 2006 – 2007 – 2008. He is also a member of the Davis Applied Technology College Advisory Board for their Culinary Arts Program and a member of the Ogden Weber Technical College Advisory Board for their Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Programs.
For more information on El Conquistador Resort, please visit http://www.elconresort.com
For more information on Las Casitas Village, please visit http://www.lascasitasvillage.com
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CONTACTS:
Lydia Feliciano
El Conquistador Resort/Las Casitas Village
+1 787 863 6891
Jonathan Torres / Christine Luzano
Hospitality Marketing
+1 305 351 5533/ +1 305 351 5031
jtorres@h-mllc.com
cluzano@h-mllc.com
About El Conquistador Resort Located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico near the fishing village of Las Croabas, and dramatically set along the length of a 300-foot bluff, the El Conquistador Resort spreads across 500 acres and overlooks the converging waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort destination offers 750 redesigned guestrooms and suites, boasts the recently opened Coquí Water Park; private Palomino Island, which offers an array of water sports and other recreational activities along white sand beaches; a renowned Golden Door Spa; an Arthur Hills 18-hole golf course; Tour Desk offering excursions to San Juan and the famous bioluminescent bay; as well as numerous dining options including an outpost of New York’s famed steak restaurant, Strip House.
About Las Casitas Village Las Casitas Village is an intimate resort that shares the grounds of El Conquistador Resort, offering luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom style villas with full kitchen facilities, three private pools including the magnificent infinity edge pool, tropical spa services and personalized 24-hour butler service for guests and families seeking a higher level of privacy and pampering. Las Casitas Village provides the perfect match to Coquí Water Park as a family destination. Las Casitas guests have access to all El Conquistador Resort amenities.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.
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