The Blackstone Hotel and Mercat a la Planxa

About The Blackstone Hotel, a historic 290-foot (88 m) 21-story hotel on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Balbo Drive in the Michigan Boulevard Historic District in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois. Built between 1908 and 1910, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Blackstone provides over 20,000 sq. ft. and is famous for hosting celebrity guests, including numerous U.S. presidents, for which it was known as the "Hotel of Presidents" for much of the 20th century.

Position Banquet Chef

Timeline November 2014 - November 2015

Challenges My background in Mediterranean cuisine provided a strong foundation to explore Spanish Cuisine. Working on the line at Mercat a la Planxa further expanded my culinary breadth giving me a deep affinity for the techniques of roasting a whole pig, perfecting the small plate with big flavor, and building the proper spices and layers to achieve the classic paella. This exposure equipped me to develop new banquet menus featuring many Mediterranean, Spanish, and Latin American based classics and themes.

The 20,000 sq. ft. of event space was well utilized, executing over 40 weddings annually and numerous corporate events. Navigating a full hotel capacity and event calendar did have its challenges; however, were able to achieve the best labor margins in department history. The hotel's history and charm made it a sought after hotel for political figures, celebrities, and athletes.

Memorable Moment As an avid sports enthusiast, I was elated for the opportunity to cook for some of the most prominent sports teams, including European fútbol teams and players. As it goes with any high profile or luxury hotel, anonymity and protection for our guests are requisite. Discretion, discernment, and respect drive my professionalism and remain a core tenant in my business protocol.