Princeton, NJ (August 15, 2011) — Melissa Darpino has managed many high-profile and celebrity events in her 16-year career — including the Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences Annual Emmy's and Governor's Balls — and she now brings her finely honed event planning and training skills as well as her incredible attention to detail to The Peacock Inn in Princeton as the newly appointed Hotel Director.

Ms. Darpino, a New Jersey native who has returned home to her roots, was most recently the Director of Sales at Daniel Stern Restaurants in Philadelphia.  Prior to that she worked as Director of Special Events and Catering at David Myers' Food Art Group in Los Angeles, Director of Catering and Special Events with Michel Richard at Citrus, and with Joachim Splichal and the Patina Group.

Now at The Peacock Inn, in addition to overseeing hotel operations, Ms. Darpino will work with clients who seek assistance in planning weddings and other social affairs as well as corporate events at the award-winning Small Luxury Hotel.  Her expertise in handling high-profile celebrity clients — including Jennifer Anniston, Warren Beatty and Annette Benning, Rene Zellweger, Tom Cruise, and many others — will no doubt translate to events that have a special touch of glamor and panache for Princeton area clientele.  And one can rest assured that the food will be top-notch as the restaurant at the Peacock Inn has received many accolades of late including "Restaurant of the Year" by the Star Ledger Newspaper, "Best New Restaurant 2010" by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, and "One of 10 Inns Worth Dining In" by noted food writer Colman Andrews' The Daily Meal.

For those interested in hosting a special event at The Peacock Inn, they can contact Melissa Darpino at (609) 924-1707 or via e-mail at [email protected].

About The Peacock Inn
The Peacock Inn, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a Princeton landmark which recently underwent a three-year, multimillion dollar renovation and change in ownership to create a boutique hotel complete with its own gourmet restaurant and bar.  The Peacock Inn is situated just one block from Nassau Street (the main thoroughfare in town) and a short walk from Palmer Square, Princeton University, and the area's numerous shops and boutiques. The Inn offers 16 unique guest rooms and suites each individually decorated in a traditional and contemporary style with designer furnishings and carpeting. Seven rooms feature a decorative fireplace.  For additional information, visit www.thepeacockinn.com or call 609-924-1707.