MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Kevin W. Luque, executive sous chef at Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach at Kingston Resorts, was named the best seafood chef in South Carolina. The competition and awards are part of an annual program by the Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast.
Luque competed against 19 other chefs in the seafood category to win the top prize. His winning dish was pan seared mahi mahi over corn maque choux with a spicy tomato sauce accompanied by a fennel, onion and blood orange salad. Luque won a $1,000 cash prize as well as airfare and accommodations to compete in the Great American Seafood Challenge in New Orleans in August.
In the South Carolina competition, more than 74 chefs competed in the three categories that included seafood, cold dishes and hot dishes.
"We are thrilled to have the top seafood chef in South Carolina at our resort and part of our team," said Bob Barenberg, complex manager, Kingston Plantation.
Chef is already preparing an exciting entry for the U.S. competition in New Orleans in August. "Since I spent some time in New Orleans and have experience with that type of cuisine, I feel confident in my ability to appeal to the judges," Loque said. "We are lucky to have an abundance of fresh seafood in South Carolina," he added. "We consider the resorts' restaurants to be among the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, and we certainly benefit from our location along the coast. We also incorporate fresh local produce in our menus whenever possible."
The 36th Annual Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast was held January 24 through 26, 2012 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The show attracts 500 exhibitors and an audience of 22,000 people.
Contact:
Cindy Mackey
+1 757 754 4553
cindy@thinkotto.com
Lisa Cole
+ 1 305 796 8383
Lisa.cole@hilton.com
About Kingston Resorts
Kingston Resorts includes Kingston Plantation and the adjacent Kingston Shores, which are owned by FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc. These properties include two full-service oceanfront hotels including the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach. A variety of luxury Myrtle Beach condominiums, townhomes and vacation villas, located along the famous Grand Strand, are also available for guests to enjoy. Guests at both properties can enjoy access to recreational facilities including a newly renovated 50,000 square-foot Sport & Health Club with indoor and outdoor pools, lit tennis courts, pro shop and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, Splash!, an oceanfront water park and lazy river, the adjacent Rees Jones-designed Arcadian Shores Golf Course and a host of seasonal activities for adults and children. For more information, call 800-876-0010 or visit www.kingstonresorts.com.
About Embassy Suites Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels, one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands and one of Parents magazine’s 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families of 2012, gives guests more during every stay. The full-service, upscale brand offers spacious two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly Complimentary Evening Receptions with appetizers and beverages. Both leisure and business travelers looking for an approachable, upscale experience feel right at home in the brand’s inviting atrium environment. Embassy Suites Hotels has 211 properties across the Americas and nearly 35 more in the pipeline. For more information, visit www.embassysuites.com, and connect with Embassy Suites at www.embassysuitesmediacenter.com, www.facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels and www.twitter.com/EmbassySuites
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit
www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at
www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,
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