Vegetarian Dining Program Launched

An increased demand for vegetarian meals was evident in the success of the kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, which has created a niche for itself by offering creative vegetarian menu items. Executive Chef Kerry Sear�s innovative five-course vegetable sampler menu has been adopted by a number of other Four Seasons properties because of the variety it offers diners. Sear, as a result of his success, was enlisted by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to create vegetarian guidelines for all of the company�s properties worldwide. 

Vice President, Food & Beverage, Alfons Konrad states, "The resulting program ensures that vegetarian choices are offered in all Four Seasons restaurants. Vegetarian diners now find more diverse menu options during an extended stay. This also benefits non-vegetarians who like to sample vegetarian meals. These dishes are innovative and flavorful, in addition to being well-balanced in protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Another important element is Four Seasons� dedication to using only the freshest ingredients in all of its menus." A sampling of vegetarian dishes from recent menus include:
 

Trends and Creative Solutions for Vegetarian Dining

A recent poll of its restaurants by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts shows that since the company instituted guidelines for offering vegetarian dishes, the percentage of diners requesting vegetarian meals has continued to rise. The following results represent trends and creative innovations developed over the past year:

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago has seen an increase in requests for organic fruits and vegetables. In response, Dining Room Chef Sarah Stegner has designed an extremely popular six-course prix fixe Vegetarian Degustation Menu; 

At Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C., requests are also received for vegan meals -- dishes without a trace of animal by-product;

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is designing a completely separate menu for vegetarians in the Pacific Grill restaurant and implementing a vegetarian tasting menu at its restaurant Seasons, all due to growing demand;

Four Seasons Hotel Boston has been offering a five-course, prix fixe Vegetarian Tasting Menu that is extremely popular;

Vegetarian dining is also a growing choice overseas and in the Caribbean. Four Seasons Resort Nevis is offering more vegetarian dishes. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has seen an increase in vegetarian dining, and the Resort�s three-panel menu has been revised to include one entire panel of vegetarian items;

At Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Executive Chef Tim Keating pairs an all-vegetarian and all-organic meal with selected organic wines as part of an ongoing "Winemaker Series." He also has cemented important relationships with local farmers and supports their efforts. Dishes are frequently dedicated to a particular farmer, and his/her name appears on the menu;

Executive Chef Mark Baker has incorporated unique and flavorful vegetarian cuisine in his seasonal menus at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for the past six years. He features a vegetarian six-course tasting menu displayed on a beautiful Japanese lacquered tray during lunch and dinner. His recipes have been featured in such leading publications as Gourmet.