SHANGHAI, March 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Hilton Shanghai proudly introduces a distinguished figure in the American gastronomic circle, Chef Kim Canteenwalla, to the Shanghai gourmet community. The collaboration of award-winning Hilton Shanghai Executive Chef Emmanuel Souliere and the ingenious culinary creations of Chef Canteenwalla promises to bring the much sought-after American gourmet flavours to Leonardo's Restaurant.
(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2009/03/05/200903051259.jpg )
Currently Chef Kim Canteenwalla joins forces with his wife Elizabeth Blau, Sean Christie and Oliver Wharton to open the Society Cafe Encore at Encore, the new signature Wynn collection resort. The restaurant offers diners a classic American gourmet menu with a modern twist, featuring dishes in a casual, fun and dynamic atmosphere. In addition to his position at Encore, Chef Canteenwalla is also the president of Blau & Associates, which he co-founded with his wife, Elizabeth Blau. His wealth of experience, global travels and grass root approach to restaurant development made him a natural in the restaurant consulting business.
Chef Canteenwalla's name is a byword among food lovers who fancy Las Vegas' dazzling casino circle as one of the culinary artists who, during his stint as executive chef of the famous MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, reinforced its popularity as a "mecca" for great dining. His career that started at Montreal's Institute of St. Denis, spanned years of excellent assignments in some of the world's most renowned luxury properties including the flagship Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto in his native Canada, the Raffles International Hotel Group, Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh in Cambodia and the Grand Mirage Resort in Bali, Indonesia.
One of the highlights of Canteenwalla's career was a two-time feature at the James Beard House in New York, an honor deemed as "the Oscars of the food world" and the country's most coveted honour for chefs -- a feat that put his culinary achievements above reproach.
His passion for gastronomy started at an early age at home with his father's influence. Today, Chef Canteenwalla is an avid host and frequently entertains friends and family at home and on the road with his son, Cole. Mainly inspired by the changing seasons, Canteenwalla favours late spring and the summer months because of the wide variety of produce available at the market during these periods. Whenever possible, he goes on trips visiting farms and farmers' markets to meet with growers and learn about the care they put into their specific products. Chef Canteenwalla enjoys working with marinades and grilled items during the warmer months and works with stews, braises and ragouts during the colder seasons.
Today, his cuisine is very much contemporary American and he has become well known for the playful twists he injects into classic American dishes. Chef Canteenwalla often draws on his 10 years of professional experience in Southeast Asia and his zeal for Mediterranean fare in the creation of dishes. A team player through and through, he derives inspiration from his environment and diligently includes inputs from guests, fellow chefs and his staff in the development of new menus. Canteenwalla loves new challenges and is always enthusiastic to work with a new ingredient or in a new location with people he just met.
This April, take the opportunity to exploit the epicure in you with Chef Canteenwalla's gastronomic creations against the sumptuous backdrop of Leonardo's restaurant; among Da Vinci's sketches, its blue, gold and russet tones that make for the most artistic, elegant and relaxed dining atmosphere. The 5-course set dinner menu is available every evening, 14-19 April, from 7:00pm to 10:30am and priced at RMB458, subject to 15% surcharge and his dishes are also available in a la carte. This event is also sponsored by the world's fifth largest airline Continental Airlines.
For reservations and inquiries, please dial (21) 62487777 ext. 1850.
Notes to editor:
Hilton Shanghai
Set in the heart of Shanghai's business and entertainment centre, the Hilton Shanghai is within walking distance of major corporations and the main shopping districts. Business is a pleasure here with 18 meeting rooms, including the elegant Grand Ballroom. The hotel boasts an Executive Lounge and 24-hour business center. All offer wireless internet access. The 3,000 square meter spa is an oasis for exercising and relaxing, with a gym, pool, tennis and squash courts and 8 treatment rooms. The Hilton Shanghai is now in its fifth consecutive year as the city's exclusive hotel sponsor to the Tennis Masters Cup.
About Hilton Hotels
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