SAPPHIRE CULINARY GROUP APPOINTS DIETER HISSIN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Sapphire Brands to Focus on Expansion in 2015
Sapphire Culinary Group, a collection of innovative brands founded by Chef Azmin Ghahreman, has announced the addition of Dieter Hissin to the management team. The group includes Sapphire Laguna, Sapphire Pantry, Sapphire at School, Sapphire at Work, Sapphire Catering, and AG Consulting; each devoted to bringing the bold flavors and exciting tastes of globally inspired, freshly interpreted cuisine to discerning customers.
Hissin comes to Sapphire with extensive experience in luxury hospitality and resort management for properties including The Balboa Bay Club & Resort and Island Hotel Newport Beach. As Director of Operations, Hissin will oversee all operations of Sapphire Culinary Group, improving procedures, and developing innovative programs that support the company’s growth initiatives.
This announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for Sapphire Culinary Group. The Sapphire at School program now serves eight schools with several new partnerships in the pipeline. Sapphire Laguna continues to receive accolades for its globally-inspired cuisine while Chef Azmin has been recognized by a variety of industry media for his AG Consulting collaboration with Crystal Cruises in curating a gourmet menu for Tastes’ restaurant aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity. Giving back to the community and partnering with worthy causes is a pledge that Chef Azmin is committed to year-round, supporting local organizations including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mission Hospital, Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach, and Serra’s Pantry in San Juan Capistrano, among many others.
For information about Sapphire Culinary Group, visit www.sapphireculinarygroup.com.
Dieter Hissin, Vice President Operations, Sapphire Culinary Group
About Sapphire Culinary Group
The Sapphire Culinary Group is a collection of innovative brands led by Chef Azmin Ghahreman. Under his direction, they are each, in their own unique way, devoted to bringing the bold flavors and exciting tastes of globally inspired freshly interpreted cuisine to discriminating customers.
Sapphire Laguna’s menu is characterized by Chef Azmin Ghahreman’s distinctive international style. The globally inspired cuisines appeal to guests of all ages and palates, and the evolving menu changes seasonally and often, based on what is freshly caught and available from small farms, nearby markets and artisan suppliers.
Sapphire Pantry is every gourmet cook and amateur chef’s favorite destination. The variety of exceptional products provides a truly international experience for all the senses. The Pantry’s “Cave d’Affinage” features over 100 varieties of artisan cheeses from around the world, and the wine selections are endless.
Sapphire at School was created to provide a unique foundation for schools to teach children about real foods, get them excited about fresh fruits and vegetables, and feed them delicious and balanced meals prepared by professional chefs. The food is based on the Mediterranean Food Pyramid, and the program serves over 4,500 healthy meals daily to students in Orange County from Pre-K to high school.
Sapphire at Work is the latest addition to the Sapphire Culinary Group, providing a corporate dining experience for office lunches, meetings and events. The program satisfies the need for healthier food options in the fast-paced work environment needed to fuel energy and keep employees motivated to perform at their best. Sapphire at Work provides exquisite, healthy meals with menus tailored and designed to include a wide variety of cuisines from all around the world. Sapphire at Work also offers in-house dining and operation for clients.
Sapphire Catering blends global inspiration with a passion for creating a unique culinary experience for each private event. Sapphire Catering creates fresh, delicious, and international culinary dishes that make Sapphire events exceptional. In addition to the quality and distinction of the meals, the on-site service is skilled, professional, and gracious, making the entire catered experience one to remember.
AG Consulting embodies Chef Azmin’s passion for advancing the quality of food, which has lead him to help other restaurateurs and culinary businesses to develop and perfect the art of creating world-class establishments, including destination resorts, cruise ships, country club restaurants, and other fine dining businesses. In 2014, Chef Azmin was named a top influencer in Orange County by Orange County Register, as well as recognized as a “Top culinary mastermind who combines his passions for cooking and giving” by Laguna Beach Magazine.
