Palm Springs, CA. – Riviera Palm Springs announces the appointment of Chef Aaron Burns as Executive Chef, creating mouth-watering cuisine at the award-winning Circa 59. With more than 20 years of culinary experience, spending extensive time cooking in Napa Valley, Chef Burns characterizes his cuisine as classic Mediterranean.

From a young age, Chef Burns wanted nothing more than to be a chef. In 1989, Burns was accepted to the American Culinary Program three-year accredited apprenticeship at the iconic Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn. Chef Burns continued on to become sous chef at The Ark, located on Long Beach Peninsula in Washington state before moving to Napa Valley in 1995. Here, he met his mentor Chef Robert Curry while working at Domaine Chandon, falling in love with the culinary perspective showcased throughout the valley.

“Chef Burns brings with him a love of all things food and an excitement that is contagious to all around him. Looking ahead, he plans to put his stamp on the menu and the experience guests receive while dining at the Riviera,” said Vice President and Managing Director Geoff Young. “He is currently re-vamping the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus to better reflect his personal style, bringing influences from his experience, making him a valuable asset for Noble House brand."

“Working in Napa proved to be the kind of food that made me go, ‘This is it!’” said Chef Burns. “It is rewarding to see the creativity and passion that goes into each plate.”

Burns went on to work at other fine-dining establishments before earning a sous chef position at Auberge Du Soleil for four years under Chef Richard Reddington and eventually moved to Palm Springs in 2009 to take on the executive chef position at The Parker.

For more information on Riviera Palm Springs, call 866-588-8311 or visit www.psriviera.com.

Situated at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, Riviera Palm Springs is an iconic playground of the past to the likes of Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack that translates today to a sensually vibrant culture with a historic twist, continuing to create timeless memories and some of the desert's best-kept secrets. Following an extensive $70 million modernization, Riviera Palm Springs offers a palm-shaded oasis of cool sparkling pools, private cabanas, intimate poolside fire pits and themed gardens. Famed pool parties exclusive to Riviera have recently attracted the likes of Anne Hathaway, AnnaLynne McCord and James Franco.