2007 Press Releases
International chef joins Delta Fredericton
Chef HÉctor JimÉnez brings new culinary flare to Canada's Atlantic Coast
FREDERICTON, NB (June 1, 2007) - The kitchen at the Delta Fredericton is heating up with the addition of Héctor Jiménez, an internationally renowned food wunderkind, now the hotel's executive chef de cuisine. Columbian-born Jiménez leaves a trail of sated food-lovers in his wake from Bogota to Boston, Ottawa to St. Petersburg. This globetrotter can make a recipe out of anything, and loves to immerse himself in the flavours of his latest region.
"Being on Canada's East Coast offers exciting new ingredients for me to work with," says Jiménez. "Fredericton was recently recognized as one of the top cities to live in North America, and I am happy to use my experiences abroad to expand my love of blending flavours, colours and textures to create new masterpieces in my new role."
With a hint of Latin flair added to many menu items, Fredericton foodies and hotel guests from near and far will experience new taste sensations at the Delta Fredericton. Jiménez creates food to complement the spectacular view of the St. John River to be served at Bruno's Seafood & Chophouse Fredericton Restaurant, and through catering and special events menus.
To kick off his new role, Jiménez has created a signature dish, Tuna sashimi ceviche. "This dish is a fusion of authentic Latin-American ceviche and Japanese sashimi technique, he says. "I thinly slice fresh tuna, lightly marinated and perfumed with citronnade, enhanced with cilantro and julienne of raw vegetables infused with Nouc Cham essence."
'La concina es pasion' (the kitchen is passion) for Jiménez, and the proof of his ardor is in the pudding and other delectable fare he crafts. He comes to the Delta Fredericton from the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia. As executive chef, the restaurant hosted G8 Summit guests in 2006 and he was awarded the "Star of the City to Culinary Refinement & Lightness" by WHERE Magazine of St. Petersburg.
"I think food absorbs energy - the atmosphere in a kitchen needs to be positive. Even under pressure, you need to enjoy cooking," says Jiménez. "Cooking to me is like making love - you wish to see the smile of the person you are trying to please!"
As an emerging sous chef at Relais Chateaux Hotel Bogota, Jiménez 'muy sabrosa' (very tasty) creations got attention of local and international guests. Since then, Jiménez has served as chef at Hilton Boston Back Bay, and executive chef at The Marshes Golf Club and FOUNDATION at the Byward Market in Ottawa.
"My friends say my menu is short because of my basic English!" says Jiménez. "The truth is I specifically choose simple and limited words to describe our meals in the menu, that way the food experience at my restaurants is not intimidating or complex."
About Delta Fredericton
The Delta Fredericton is located along the St. John River in downtown Fredericton. Explore all the
city has to offer from right outside the front door where five kilometers of riverside pathways
wind along Victorian-style homes and historic landmarks. The hotel's 222 rooms are equipped with
two-line speakerphones, 27" TVs and free high-speed Internet access in each guestroom. The hotel
includes recreation facilities including heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an exercise
room, sauna and Jacuzzi. For resort reservations call 506-457-7000 or 1-888-462-8800.
SilverBirch is one of Canada's leading hotel management companies and currently manages and asset manages 35 hotels and resorts across Canada. The company manages independent hotels and hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Crowne Plaza, Radisson, Residence Inn by Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Quality, Gouverneur, Best Western and Ramada. SilverBirch is fully owned by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation ("bcIMC"), a Canadian leader in investment funds management that is based in Victoria, British Columbia (www.bcimc.com).
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photo available upon request.
For more information, please contact:
Cathy Pugh
Director of Sales
Delta Fredericton
Telephone: (506) 451-7908
cpugh@silverbirchhotels.com
Trisha Lees
Tartan Public Relations
Telephone: (250) 592-3838 or (250) 896-3838
trisha@tartanpr.com