Omni Hotels & Resorts Celebrates the Latest Edition of Its Iconic International Culinary Series With "Simmer Saute Sante - The Flavors of France"

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Omni Hotels & Resorts announces its seventh installment of the luxury hotel brand's iconic Flavors of the World international culinary series with "Simmer Saute Sante - The Flavors of France" debuting across the brand.  Evoking the genuine essence of French food, wine, Champagne and cocktails, rich recipes include Sauteed Sea Scallops prepared Provencal Style; Duck Breast with Roasted Vegetables in a Raspberry Balsamic Reduction and Steak Pommes-Frites with a Black Pepper and Cognac Sauce – available through the end of the year.  Omni created the program through a unique partnership with the French Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, represented by Sopexa USA, an agency dedicated to the promotion of French food, wine and lifestyle in the U.S. market.

Designed to capture the senses, this authentic experience was an exploration of French cuisine, including a trip to France by Omni's culinary team.  In early September, 45 of the brand's executive chefs and culinary leaders embarked on a tour visiting renowned vineyards, food producers, restaurants and other significant sites.  Beginning in Paris, the Omni group attended Palais des Thes tea training; visited caves at famed Champagne maker Nicolas Feuillatte and winemaker Maison Champy in Burgundy; toured vineyards and participated in the harvest in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, including Domaine Pascal Jolivet, Domaine de la Perriere, Le Club Mouton Cadet, Chateau Belgrave and Chateau Cantemerle; learned about mustard preparation with Moutarde Fallot and dined along the Seine River overlooking the Eiffel Tower among their many stops.

The menu weaves together classic tradition of French cuisine and updated, innovative flavors.  Dishes include Seared Sea Bass with Fingerling, Morel and Fallot Black Currant Vinaigrette; Trilogie de Gourgeres filled with Zucchini and Mint, Gruyere and Comte, Brie and Sun Dried Tomato accompanied by Sweet Bell Pepper Coulis; Wild Mushroom Ragout with Chervil Butter Sauce; Filet of Beef with Housemade Short Rib Ravioli; a Platter of Cured Meats and French Cheese and Small Pots of Mocha and Valrhona Chocolate Cream. Three custom crafted cocktails, made with Chambord, are also featured.

"France is known for its classic cuisine, and we are delighted to bring its authentic flavors and showcase its innovation and accessibility to our guests," said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food and beverage for Omni Hotels & Resorts.  "Our hope is that they will discover delicious offerings similar to what they might find throughout the French countryside or at the newest Parisian brasseries."

Guests will again be able to enjoy a unique French culinary escape with the "Simmer Saute Sante" package.  The "Simmer Saute Sante" package will offer guests at select hotels and resorts an exclusive culinary immersion weekend including deluxe accommodations, a wine and cheese welcome amenity, an authentic cooking and wine pairing demonstration with an Omni chef, an all-inclusive French dinner and a thank you gift with aprons, French wine, recipes and a micro-planner.  Another guest package - "French Toast!" – is offered only over New Year's Eve, enabling guests to enjoy an authentic French dinner with Champagne to celebrate the New Year, breakfast with a Champagne cocktail and a late check-out on request.  Both packages range from $299 to $700.

To learn more about "Simmer Saute Sante - The Flavors of France," including menus, wine lists, photos and videos from the trip and recipes, visit Omni's Culinary Stirrings website.  Guests can also visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at twitter.com/omnihotels or at twitter.com/omnihotelsPR.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on "A Total Departure" to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program. Earlier this year, Omni's loyalty program was further expanded with the launch of the GHA Discovery® loyalty program expanding numerous benefits on a worldwide basis as a member of the Global Hotel Alliance.  The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as Harris Interactive's most recent EquiTrends® report which ranked Omni as the Top Luxury Hotel Brand in 2011.

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

SOURCE Omni Hotels & Resorts