In anticipation of National Chocolate Éclair Day (June 22), Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts announced on June 16th the launch of its first-ever global eclair program in partnership with award-winning pastry chef and new LM100 member Johnny Iuzzini. As part of the brand’s new culinary program, Le Meridien hotels and resorts worldwide will offer guests the opportunity to indulge in a variety of modern twists on the chic Parisian treat, including both classic flavours as well as unique creations inspired by the destination. In addition, Chef Iuzzini will create eight seasonal eclair recipes for the hotels, inspired by his travels through various Le Meridien destinations. As part of the programme, each hotel will offer modern takes on three signature eclair flavours coffee, chocolate and vanilla as well as one locally inspired flavour.
A 2006 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef and author of Dessert FourPlay and Sugar Rush (September 2014), Iuzzini served as Head Judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts.” He boasts more than 20 years of kitchen experience at some of the top restaurants in New York City and currently owns a pastry and culinary arts consulting company, Sugar Fueled, Inc. As the newest member of the LM100â„¢, a group of cultural innovators and artists who define and enrich the guest experience at Le Meridien, Chef Iuzzini will guide the eclair programming and initiatives around the globe, employing his youthful energy and unique culinary style to reinvent the classic pastry and create eight seasonal eclair recipes exclusively for Le Meridien.
Le Meridien Celebrates the Éclair
To commemorate the launch of Le Meridien eclairs, Le Meridien hotels around the world will host exciting on-property events, programs and special offerings highlighting the delectable French treat, from do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials with on-property pastry chefs to regular eclair hours for guests to sample seasonal creations. Guests of Le Meridien properties throughout the months of June and July will also be encouraged to upload and share their experiences on social media using #LMeclairs.
Le Meridien hotels around the world will continue to feature a variety of destination-inspired eclairs, offering guests an authentic taste of the local culture, from the Maple Bacon Éclair and Texas Honey Pecan Éclair at Le Meridien Dallas by the Galleria to the Dulce de Leche Éclair, infused with coconut, from Le Meridien Panama. In Germany, Le Meridien Munich will offer a savory eclair with goat cheese, cranberry and pumpernickel crumbs, while Le Meridien Bangkok will feature a citrus-inspired treat with mango, lime and ginger.
Johnny Iuzzini and The Éclair Diaries’
Through this unique culinary collaboration, Chef Iuzzini will create eight signature eclair recipes exclusively for Le Meridien over the next 12 months, inspired by a global tour of select Le Meridien destinations. Éclair Diaries will kick off in San Francisco on Thursday, July 10 where Chef Iuzzini will travel around the city and discover the region by motorcycle to uncover local flavors and find inspiration for his fall 2014 eclair recipe. Chef Iuzzini’s recipe will then be unveiled at a special event in New York City on Tuesday, July 29. Johnny’s Éclair Diaries will continue throughout 2014 and 2015 with additional stops being announced soon.
The Le Meridien eclair programme comes on the heels of the brand’s recent announcement of a new global partnership with French Bossa Nova collective Nouvelle Vague, who has curated a 24-hour soundtrack for Le Meridien hotels around the world, as well as a new global beverage program, Le Meridien Sparkling, inspired by the European aperitif culture. Together, these programs elevate the guest experience via the brand’s signature Hub experience, encouraging visitors to unlock their destination through coordinates, culture and cuisine.
Launched in 2011, the signature Le Meridien Hubâ„¢ re-interprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place, building on the brand’s award-winning Arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Meridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas; sensory experience, illustrated through the LM01 signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ARTâ„¢ programme, featuring artist designed key card collections that offer access to Le Meridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the destination; and a 24-hour soundtrack, now curated by Nouvelle Vague. Each Hub also features a Master Barista, a recently launched initiative to meet the growing demands of coffee lovers at every Le Meridien hotel worldwide. Master Baristas lead coffee-related initiatives at each hotel, serve as a coffee cultural ambassador, and maintain knowledge of current coffee trends within the destination.
posted by: Eric Fujimori
6/21/14
