Oak Brook Hills Resort - Chicago Has All The Right Ingredients; Appoints Carol Buckantz As Executive Chef
Resort Also Announces Xenos and Wong to Experienced Events and Conference Services Team
CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Oak Brook Hills Resort – Chicago, a leading resort for events, accommodations and golf in the Midwest, today announced Carol Buckantz as executive chef.
Executive Chef Carol Buckantz has more than 20 years of culinary industry experience. In her new position, she will oversee all food and beverage operations for the destination including events, conferences and the five restaurants.
According to Dennis Marcinik, director of operations for Oak Brook Hills Resort, Chef Carol brings a high level of culinary creativity and leadership to our established and award winning team. "Under Executive Chef Carol, this property will continue to delight and impress the community, guests and event planners while bringing back many of the treasured traditions Oak Brook Hills Resort has been known for in its rich history," said Marcinik.
In addition to delivering culinary excellence to the many corporate and social events, Chef Carol will oversee a special #Valentine's dinner at the resort, and is creating menus for upcoming brunches and culinary events for Easter, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day and Thanksgiving. She also has plans to incorporate more "farm to table" menu items, and bring a Farmers Market to the property every week this summer. Other efforts include culinary classes for groups large and small, including team building sessions for organizations.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Chef Carol has a blend of experience as an executive chef for hospitality and food companies, restaurants, and as owner of her own business. She served more than 13 years in leadership and executive chef positions with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts around the country. She was owner of Moveable Gourmet in the Chicago area, and later served as executive chef of Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Illinois. She joins Oak Brook Hills Resort after serving as corporate executive chef at Quantum Foods.
Oak Brook Hills Resorts Adds to Experienced Conference Services and Banquet Team
In related news, Oak Brook Hills Resort announced the addition of Mara Xenos as Director of Conference Services and Norman Wong as Banquet Manager.
In her new position, Ms. Xenos will oversee all planning and catering arrangements within the resort, including corporate events, weddings and social celebrations. Her colleagues include Jayne Kellan, Nancy Kucera and Janessa Woods, who combined have more than 40 years of providing a high level of event service and expertise at the resort.
Ms. Xenos joins Oak Brook Hills after serving as director of conference planning at the Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois, where she oversaw the development and servicing of more 700 onsite client meetings a year and achieved high levels of customer satisfaction for events.
She previously had an eight year tenure at Eaglewood Resort & Spa, where she most recently served as director of conference services. She began her professional career as catering and conference services manager at the Sheraton Chicago and then joined Anderson Worldwide as conference planning supervisor.
Norman Wong joins Oak Brook Hills Resort as banquet manager with more than 20 years of experience in high end hospitality companies and restaurants. He previously served as banquet manager with J.W. Marriott, Chicago, and as private catering manager at Wolfgang Puck.
Earlier in his career, he held banquet management positions with Fairmont, Intercontinental and Renaissance Hotels. Wong is a graduate of DeVry University, Illinois.
Oak Brook Hills Resort – Chicago is managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts. Located in a scenic area just minutes away from many of the country's leading corporate headquarters and world class shopping, Oak Brook Hills Resort–Chicago is an ideal retreat for business and leisure travelers alike. The property features elegant, guest room furnishings with modern conveniences. The 386 rooms including 39 hotel suites, overlook the scenic, award-winning and Audubon Certified Willow Crest Golf Course, two pools, and expansive fitness center, restaurants, tennis courts, a 42,500 square foot IACC-certified conference center and much more. For information, visit www.oakbrookhillsresort.com.
About Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is an authentic collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels and resorts across North America. Offering enriching, locally-inspired experiences from alpine adventures and stunning beachfronts to urban landmarks, each property reflects the natural surroundings and culture of its distinctive locale. With more than 40 properties in premier travel destinations, the award-winning portfolio features renowned golf courses, spas, and exceptional culinary venues. For more information on Destination Hotels & Resorts, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.
SOURCE Oak Brook Hills Resort - Chicago
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