FORT WORTH, Texas, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Earth Day 2011 marks the unveiling of the rooftop garden at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.  The garden contains two sections, each approximately 22 feet wide and 16 feet long, which will yield close to 100 new plants.  Peppers - which make up the majority of the garden and take several months to mature - include habanero, red chile, banana and pablano.  Ready to eat in early May, herbs in the garden include oregano, thyme, mint, rosemary, sage, lavender and basil.  

The roof-top garden was inspired by the hotel's food and beverage team's vision of "Local Whenever Possible" with a passion for quality products indigenous to the area.  Atop the roof, Sous Chef Kyle Wilson nurtures the produce daily, to be harvested and featured in seasonal menu items such as Hickory Smoked Salmon with Butternut Squash Succotash, Cowboy Ribeye with Hopelessly Bleu Cheese and Cilantro Chimichurri and the Pineapple Mint Caipirinha cocktail.  Serving three meals a day, Cast Iron will integrate the fresh garden ingredients into the restaurant's offerings as well as highlight them in the prix fixe menus and daily specials.

"Using the freshest quality produce enhances the overall culinary experience for our guests," said Greg Van Riet, director of food and beverage of the Omni Forth Worth Hotel.  "It's increasingly important - for our associates and travelers alike - that we continue to make eco-conscious decisions."

Other environmentally-friendly features of the property include 2009 Escalade Hybrids, which have served as guest transportation since the hotel's opening; a motion-sensor lighting system to conserve energy during non-peak hours; and revolving doors to help reduce heating and cooling consumption.  Additionally, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel boasts more than 20,000 square feet of landscaped rooftops that conserve energy, filter rainwater and help mitigate the Texas summer heat.  Consistent with all Omni Hotels & Resorts, the property is also Phone Book Free.

For more information about the Omni Fort Worth, visit omnihotels.com or call 817-535-6664.

About the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

As breathtaking as any West Texas sunset, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel offers a new taste of Texas hospitality.  Conveniently located in the heart of Fort Worth's exciting downtown, the hotel stands adjacent to the expanded Fort Worth Convention Center and within walking distance from the city's burgeoning cultural centers, restaurants and nightlife.  Retreat to your luxury guest room for a restful night's sleep before or after your exploration of Fort Worth. Sculpted from native stone and rich hardwoods and wrapped in glass, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel is the newest star in the Lone Star State.  Guests will marvel at the dramatic displays of art and exciting venues, while meeting and event planners will remember the luxury hotel for its open and inviting spaces, its casual yet sophisticated style and a personality that's as gracious and dynamic as Fort Worth itself. The hotel was recognized on the Conde Nast Traveler 2010 Readers' Choice Awards which ranks the best in travel worldwide.

SOURCE Omni Fort Worth Hotel