HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – April 10, 2015 – Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, a Curio – A Collection by Hilton hotel is pleased to welcome Chris Walling as director of food and beverage and Gary Klinefelter as executive chef of Diplomat Prime, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.
Walling brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to Diplomat Resort & Spa, most recently as the director of food and beverage at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. Walling has held leadership roles at several award-winning properties such as The Breakers Palm Beach, Biltmore Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. An active member of the epicurean world, he is a board member of Culinaria Food and Wine Festival and Chaine Des Rotisseurs. Walling holds a degree in hospitality management from University of Nevada Las Vegas and is a level one sommelier.
Klinefelter joins Diplomat Resort & Spa with an expansive, award-winning culinary background. Prior to his new role at Diplomat Prime, he held executive chef positions with Giving the Dream Foundation, The Buccaneer Resort and Spa, Hill Crest Country Club, Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort, and others. His leadership abilities and skills have resulted in positive reviews and accolades such as the Wine Spectator Award. Klinefelter is a graduate of the American Culinary Federation and the Culinary Institute of America. He has also studied at The Greenbrier Club Chefs Institute and is a Founding Father of the A.C.F. Virgin Islands Chefs and Cook’s Association Chapter.
“These two individuals have their finger on the pulse of the luxury traveler and what they crave from a culinary experience,” said Ed Walls, general manager, Diplomat Resort & Spa. “Their talents and insights will help further develop our resort-wide food and beverage initiatives. We are excited to have them onboard to bring fresh ideas and flavors to Diplomat Resort & Spa.”
