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NEW ORLEANS (April 3, 2017) - The newly renovated, landmark hotel Royal Sonesta New Orleans has hired Jacquelyn Lopez as its executive pastry chef. Lopez brings vast expertise in pastry creation, after almost a decade of service at various renowned hotel properties.
No stranger to the Crescent City culinary scene, Lopez previously served as pastry sous chef at Hyatt Regency New Orleans before her most recent role of executive pastry chef at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado. A graduate of the Texas Culinary Institute, her experience also includes time at Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago and the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas, where she was named a Lost Pines Legend.
During the recent Mardi Gras season, Lopez treated guests and visitors of Royal Sonesta New Orleans' PJ's Coffee Café to the "Royal King Cake," a one-of-a-kind brown butter bourbon pecan praline cake. Guests attending the hotel's upcoming annual Easter Brunch will also be treated to her signature pastries inside the hotel's newly reimagined Grand Ballroom. Lopez will regularly collaborate on catering and special events menus with the hotel's Executive Chef Jeff Mattia, who was recently honored by American Culinary Federation's New Orleans Chapter as a 2017 Best Chef.
"I am proud to join the accomplished culinary team at Royal Sonesta New Orleans," said Lopez. "It's a privilege for me to provide our guests with my dishes and desserts, and working with a team that allows me to show my creativity certainly sweetens the deal."
As part of the renowned New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, Lopez has twice earned the first-runner up title at the Big Gateaux Show, a pastry competition and burlesque showcase following the Saturday Night Grand Tasting. Lopez also took home the first place People's Choice award in this year's "Got Gumbo?" Cook-Off, which is a yearly gumbo and desserts competition featuring top New Orleans restaurants, to benefit United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
"We strive to offer the full New Orleans experience all under one roof, and Jacquelyn's role as our executive pastry chef adds a new dynamic," Royal Sonesta New Orleans General Manager Alfred Groos said. "Her background in hospitality and award-winning pastries adds a new element to both the guest experience and our hotel's diverse culinary options."
With the recent renovation to the hotel's Grand Ballroom, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is the premier wedding and event venue in the heart of the French Quarter. The addition of Lopez to the esteemed staff provides the added the convenience of having wedding cakes designed and baked in-house. Look for her custom wedding cake design featured in Southern Bride Magazine summer/fall 2017 issue. For more information on the hotel and its event spaces, visit Sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans.
About Royal Sonesta New Orleans:
Located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter and steps away from some of the city's finest shopping and visitor attractions, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is a hub of authentic jazz, vibrant night life and refined southern design. The hotel is home to several dining and entertainment venues, including Restaurant R'evolution, Bar R'evolution, The Jazz Playhouse, Desire Oyster Bar, Le Booze and PJ's Coffee Café. In addition to world-class amenities, Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers 20,000 square feet of meeting and special event space. With 483 newly appointed rooms, including 36 suites, the luxurious hotel is one of nearly 70 properties within Sonesta. For more information, visit Sonesta.com or call 504-586-0300.
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