VANCOUVER, BC (October 13th, 2011): Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver’s most historic hotel, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Ken Nakano as Head Chef responsible for directing the hotel’s five in-house dining elements Reflections, Room Service, Banqueting, 1927 and Prohibition. Chef Ken Nakano complements the talents of Chef David Hawksworth, who leads the hotel’s signature restaurant, “Hawksworth” and adjacent “Café Bel” – opening later this month.

“In Chef Nakano we have found a dedicated individual who shares our company values and Rosewood’s guiding philosophy to create A Sense of Place® through delivering exceptional guest experiences enhanced by reflecting local culture and history,” declared Steve Halliday, Managing Director of Rosewood Hotel Georgia.

A Vancouver native of Japanese heritage, Chef Nakano’s cuisine is ingredient driven, first and foremost. Largely raised on traditional Japanese cuisine, he developed an early appreciation for seasonal, local, homegrown ingredients as a result of foraging and fishing excursions with his family. Culinary traditions and local ingredients inspired his mother’s cooking and continue to influence his style today.

“As the newly appointed Head Chef of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, my philosophies and traditions will continue to be reflected in every menu I create, ensuring our local, seasonal produce and products are showcased in each of our food and beverage outlets,” declared Chef Nakano. “I’m excited to join such a prestigious brand and look forward to maintaining the highest standards.”

Chef Nakano graduated with honours from the Culinary program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and began his career at the Delta Pacific Resort and Conference Centre. Upon completion of his apprenticeship and Red Seal, he travelled to Singapore with Crystal Cruise Lines as Dining Room Chef. After returning to Canada, Chef Nakano joined the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel as the Banquet Chef and was chosen for the opening team of the Delta Sun Peaks Resort; he later returned to the Delta Vancouver Airport as Executive Sous Chef. In 2006, he was appointed as the Executive Sous Chef of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, where he has since enjoyed the abundance of fresh, local ingredients and building direct farm-to-table relationships with suppliers.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia is Vancouver’s first luxury hotel to be part of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Oceanwise program, an initiative Chef Nakano is passionate about and plans to continue. In his past role as president of the “Island Chefs Collaborative,” he was integral in bringing the Oceanwise program to Vancouver Island and he is also featured in the Oceanwise Cookbook.

“I am very excited to be back in Vancouver and am eager to reconnect with our local food community,” said Chef Nakano. “I look forward to once again being part of Vancouver’s vibrant food scene, and exploring the diverse and multicultural dining options offered in the city.”

About Rosewood Hotel Georgia:
Since 1927, the Hotel Georgia, now known as the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, has represented Vancouver's most stylish and elegant retreat at the beating heart of the city. The legendary property is located just steps away from long stretches of sea wall, the downtown shopping and business districts and Canada’s greenest convention centre. Named “Top City of the Americas” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards, Vancouver’s reputation as a world-class city, flanked by magnificent snow-kissed mountains and the Pacific Ocean continues to shine. The 155-room hotel is home to Hawksworth Restaurant, lead by visionary chef David Hawksworth; Sense, A Rosewood Spa® offering a menu of West-Coast treatments; thoughtfully designed meetings facilities; a heritage ballroom and spacious lounges, which act as a tranquil and enticing haven in this radiant downtown hub. www.rosewoodhotelgeorgia.com

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts:
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® manages one-of-a-kind luxury properties in the world’s most desired destinations. Rosewood properties embrace the company’s A Sense of Place® philosophy, reflecting the history, architecture, scale and sensibilities of the destination. With 18 properties in eight countries, the Rosewood collection includes some of the most legendary hotels and resorts in the world, including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek® in Dallas, The Carlyle in New York, Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, as well as contemporary classics such as Rosewood Sand Hill® in California, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende® in Mexico, and, now, Rosewood Tucker’s Point in Bermuda. Rosewood also offers Sense® spa – featuring treatments reflective of the location’s culture and natural environment - available exclusively at select properties.