Walla Walla Restaurant The Marc awarded "2014 Restaurant of the Year" by Washington State Wine Commission

WALLA WALLA, Wash., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marc Restaurant, located in the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, was recently honored by the Washington State Wine Awards and named as the "2014 Restaurant of the Year." The annual awards recognize and honor retailers, restaurants, hotels, tourism professionals and distributors. This year's winners were selected from more than 100 nominations for their impressive menus, innovative educational programs and marketing efforts, as well as their commitment to excellent service.

Sommelier and restaurant manager Dan McCaffrey was present at the Seattle ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the remarkable culinary team, led by James Beard recognized Executive Chef Antonio Campolio. The Washington State Restaurant, Retailer and Tourism Champions of the Year are among the most prestigious awards, recognizing industry leaders who show the strongest support for Washington State wine. The Marc provided significant insight on its wine philosophy, Washington wine promotional activity, wine service, staff education, training and more to take top honors at this year's awards.

"We are honored to accept this award and to celebrate with the entire Walla Walla region as one of the 'Top 10 wine destinations,'" said Kyle Mussman, owner of the Marcus Whitman Hotel which houses The Marc Restaurant and The Vineyard Lounge. "From the coastal climates of the West, to the desert climates of the East, Washington State is unmatched in varietals, styles, and quality."

Under the guidance of sommelier Dan McCaffrey, the restaurant and lounge have one of the largest selections of regional wines in the area, and the diverse wine list is a winning combination of value and adventure. This wine list, available in both The Marc Restaurant and The Vineyard Lounge, includes more than 235 wine labels, focusing predominantly on vineyards and producers locally and throughout the state.

"We are fortunate to be in one of the world's most exciting and distinguished wine regions," said Dan McCaffrey. "Our primary goal is to showcase the diverse offerings and best wines from established winemakers to up-and-coming wineries, alongside innovative food pairings."

The Marc Restaurant is a culinary leader in the national dining scene, under the leadership of Executive Chef Antonio Campolio. Chef Campolio creates progressive modern American menus that blend traditional Northwest influenced cuisine with molecular gastronomic twists, making for a memorable experience that expands palates and engages the senses.

"We work extremely hard to bring the best of what is fresh and in season, in addition to using locally-farmed ingredients from small Walla Walla Valley proprietors," said Chef Campolio. "We are lucky to have our very own garden which allows us to create fresh and flavorful dishes to complement our valley's incredible wines."

Those looking to experience The Marc Restaurant in a truly unique fashion have the opportunity to dine in the kitchen at the Chef's Table, where guests can witness Chef Campolio create their meal to their specifications. Diners at The Marc Restaurant will find a featured monthly tasting menu with innovative wine pairings, one of the most comprehensive wine lists in town and suggested wine pairings on the dinner menu.

The Marc Restaurant opens daily at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended by calling 509-525-2200. For more information about the list, please visit www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com.

About The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center
Built in 1928 through a community labor of love, The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center is a downtown Walla Walla landmark where history and luxury intertwine. The property was fully renovated in 2001 and restored to its original grandeur, while adding modern updates to provide a truly luxurious experience for today's traveler. The full grounds include a 127-room hotel with luxury suites, a state-of-the art conference center featuring grand renaissance ballrooms, six on-site wine tasting boutiques, and the award-winning The Marc Restaurant and The Vineyard Lounge. Thousands of overnight guests, diners, wine lovers, conference goers, business travelers and pleasure seekers enjoy the Marcus Whitman's exceptional guest service each year, where they find "ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen" to the backdrop of modern splendor. www.marcuswhitman.com

SOURCE Marcus Whitman Hotel