CONTACT: Renee Martin, President            Martin Media            845.987.1665 / NY           rmartin@martinmediapro.com

THE WHITEFACE LODGE APPOINTS A NEW CHEF

Chef Browne brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality
culinary operations including working for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

LAKE PLACID, NY (March xx, 2011) – The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, today announced the appointment of Chris Browne as its new Executive Chef. In his new position, Chef Browne is responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations at the Lodge, including its main dining restaurant, Kanu; its popular and more casual Kanu Lounge; its exclusive lakefront beach area, The Canoe Club; its 24-hour room service; as well as all culinary activities associated with the Lodge’s ongoing series of weddings, corporate meetings and other group events. Chef Browne will report to the Lodge’s General Manager, Phil Anderson.

Chef Browne’s 25-plus years of experience in high volume culinary operations for the hospitality business is an ideal fit for the Lodge’s diverse and ever-expanding food and beverage program. One of his first assignments will be working with the Lodge’s food and beverage team to develop a creative new spring / summer menu for Kanu and the Kanu Lounge, as well as to enhance the food and beverage offerings currently available on the Lodge’s outdoor terrace, at the pool and in its two popular lean to’s, as well as reassessing the casual fare offered at the Lodge’s exclusive lakefront area called The Canoe Club. Additionally, the Lodge has an impressive schedule of weddings, corporate meetings, family reunions and other events booked for the spring, summer and fall seasons and Chef Browne will review and evaluate the Lodge’s menu offerings for each event category.

“We understand the difference between selecting a Chef to run just one restaurant versus identifying an individual who understands the multitude of responsibilities and multi-tasking skills involved in overseeing a food and beverage program at a four-star resort,” said Phil Anderson, General Manager, the Whiteface Lodge.

After receiving classical culinary training at Paris’ famous Maxim’s restaurant under world-renowned Chef Daniel Viger. When Viger was tapped to be the Executive Chef at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, he asked Chef Browne to join him. The famed Waldorf Astoria was the beginning of Chef Browne’s highly respected career in hospitality culinary programs. In previous roles, Chef Browne worked for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for five years and in a variety of culinary roles. He also served as Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the AAA Four Diamond Canterbury Hotel in Indianapolis, IN. Earlier in his career, he served as the Banquet Chef at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Equally impressive is Chef Browne’s background in overseeing high volume food and beverage operations. For example, he formerly served as the Executive Chef for the RCA Dome at the Indianapolis Convention Center and most recently he held the position of Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage for Gaylord Hotels, Oprlyand located in Nashville, TN, where the gross food and beverage revenues in 2009 exceeded $12 million.

“We selected Chef Browne because he understands that our guests bring a discerning palate whether enjoying a light lunch poolside or a wine pairing dinner in Kanu. And, we respect his proven talent for creating inspired dishes—from complex to casual—while also serving as a skilled leader in managing large food and beverage operations,” continued Mr. Anderson. “Additionally, his culinary expertise is complemented by his affable personality—he enjoys meeting and entertaining people. Many of our guests consider the Lodge their ‘home away from home’ and we’re confident that they will enjoy getting to know Chef Browne.”

The Whiteface Lodge is managed by Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a full-service hotel management and asset management company specializing in luxury and upscale urban hotels and complex resorts. Additionally, the Lodge is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. For information, please call 1-800-903-4045, visit www.TheWhitefaceLodge.com, follow us on Twitter @TheWFL or become a fan on Facebook. For additional information, please contact The Lodge’s public relations agency, Martin Media, by calling Renee Martin at 845-987-1665 or via email at rmartin@martinmediapro.com.

About The Whiteface Lodge

Located in the woodland setting of the High Peaks region of Lake Placid, New York, The Whiteface Lodge is the only all-suite property in the Adirondacks, offering 94 guest accommodations.  The Lodge also offers a value-added experience unparalleled in the region, providing guests with access to a wide range of complimentary amenities, services and activities, including a sumptuous breakfast each morning in Kanu, the property's main dining area; a creative kids program called Kamp Kanu; an onsite heated swimming pool; fishing in a stocked catch and release pond, with all equipment provided; basketball, tennis and paddle tennis courts; sophisticated fitness center; three-season ice skating rink; family game room with a two-lane bowling alley; nightly gratis s'mores campfire; and a 54-seat movie theater. Additionally, during the summer, Lodge guests receive complimentary access to the property's private lakefront "Canoe Club," where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are all gratis.

The Whiteface Lodge is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. For information, please call 1-800-903-4045 or visit www.thewhitefacelodge.com.

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