Media Contact:
Margaret Taylor
Peter Mayer New Orleans
+1 504-378-6602
taylorm@peteramayer.com
NEW ORLEANS - October 16, 2014 - Le Méridien New Orleans announced today the name, concept and Executive Chef of the much-anticipated destination restaurant located on the first floor lobby of the new hotel. "LMNO" will offer New American fare prepared by Executive Chef Mauricio Gutierrez. Chef Gutierrez comes to Le Méridien New Orleans from the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, FL. He has over 15 years of culinary experience in establishments that include a world-class resort and several upscale restaurants.
"The name, LMNO, not only tells the story of our restaurant, but it creates another discovery moment for our guests when they uncover the meaning behind the name," said General Manager John Thompson. "When developing the name and concept, we referred back to the fundamental basics of our language. Letters of the alphabet strung together create words that authors then use to tell stories that make up literature. Literature stimulates knowledge and understanding, leading to inspiration, creativity and culture, which are the foundations of the Le Méridien brand."
The design identity of LMNO pulls inspiration from a time when authors used letterpress, journals and typewriters to craft literary masterpieces. Accents for the new restaurant may include vintage books from famous authors, artwork that incorporates literary themes and quotes, letterpress menus and blocks for check presenters and journal-style notepads for the servers to take orders.
The bar-centric menu predominantly focuses on inventive small plates, with a few signature entrees, and highlights the flavours and traditions of New Orleans' world famous cuisine. The New American cuisine infused with touches of Cajun and Creole pairs perfectly with the carefully curated cocktail program. Inspiration for menu items includes sweet & savory beignets, shrimp po'boys on buttered rolls, "claws and tentacles" (crawfish and octopus), okra and Andouille hushpuppies and raw oysters. LMNO will offer classic cocktails with a modern twist such as NOLA "Iced Tea" (Bourbon over a lemon ice ball cocktail).
"LMNO is a place where travelers can unwind and unlock a taste of New Orleans through innovative pairings of local flavours and aromas," comments Thompson. "Touching on his South American roots, Chef Gutierrez will infuse worldly flavours to create menu items that offer a global perspective on the local cuisine. New twists on Louisiana comforts and time-honored libations give the creative-minded traveler the culture inspired and destination-focused experience for which Le Méridien is known."
The restaurant, which is set to debut on December 15, will be open for dinner service daily. Select menu items will also be available for lunch at Longitude 90, the bar in Le Méridien Hub located in the hotel lobby.
Opening December 15, Le Méridien New Orleans is located on Poydras Street across from Harrah's Casino, adjacent to the Warehouse Arts District and just a few blocks from the jazz clubs, restaurants and night clubs of the world-famous French Quarter. Nearby attractions include the Contemporary Arts Center, Outlet Collection at Riverwalk and the French Market.
A current sweepstakes on Le Méridien's Facebook page offers the chance to win a 2 night stay at the new hotel. Learn more about the promotion here: https://www.facebook.com/LeMeridienNOLA. Follow the hotel on Facebook and become a fan on Twitter and Instagram @LeMeridienNOLA. To make reservations at Le Méridien New Orleans for stays starting December 15 and beyond, visit www.lemeridienneworleanshotel.com or call 877-782-0116.
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About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
Le Méridien , the Paris-born hotel brand currently represented by nearly 100 properties in more than 40 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. With more than 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provided a strong international complement to Starwood's then primarily North American holdings at the time of purchase. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand re-launch, which included a large scale hotels product consolidation and redefined brand strategy. Through creation of the LM100 artist community, Le Méridien has transformed numerous guest touch points, thus bringing unique, interactive and curated experiences to its guests. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts within the next five years, concentrating on markets in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Le Méridien recently opened new hotels in Tampa (Florida, USA), Cairo, Bali, Atlanta, Dallas, Istanbul, Oran (Algeria), Zhengzhou (China), Arlington (Virginia, USA) and Santa Monica, (California, USA), and will open in the next 12 months in Bangkok, Chicago, New Orleans, Mahabaleshwar (India), Gandhinagar (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Charlotte (North Carolina, USA) and Indianapolis (Indiana, USA). For more information, please visit www.leMéridien .com or www.facebook.com/leMéridien . Follow @LeMéridien Hotels on Instagram and Twitter.