TUCSON, Ariz. (March 11, 2013) – The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa announces the appointment of Russell Michel to the position of executive chef. Prior to joining the award winning team at Tucson’s most iconic destination resort, Chef Michel served as the executive chef at Morgan’s Restaurant and the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento, California for nearly seven years. Over 30 years of hospitality experience and a passion for feeding the body and soul have contributed to Chef Michel’s development of his signature flavorful, colorful and vibrant cuisine designed to connect to all five senses using the best local ingredients available.

An active member of the Sacramento food community, Chef Michel served as a judge at ProStart Cup 2012, a culinary program for high school students, and on the planning committee for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California for the 2012 Red Shoe Crawl. As an active member of the Sactown Dining Collective, he actively advocated the “Farm to Fork” cuisine concept of California. In 2010 Chef Michel was honored as the Celebrity Chef Challenge winner in Sacramento.

Jonathan Litvack, The Westin La Paloma Resort general manager states, “Chef Michel’s commitment to incorporating locally sourced ingredients in his innovative creations makes him a perfect fit for our local and visiting guests.  His vision and unique perspective will bring a new level of luxury to every dining experience and will align seamlessly in timing and quality with our resort-wide rejuvenation.”

In his new role as executive chef, Michel will oversee all culinary functions at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, including restaurant concepts and menus for AZUL, La Paloma Country Club, meeting and group banquets, event catering, guest room dining, and all culinary staff recruitment and training.

About Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa’s 250 acre property reflects and basks in the stunning beauty of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains. The AAA Four Diamond property offers restorative amenities and 60,000 sq. feet of inspiring meeting space minutes from world-renowned attractions and endless entertainment options. Premier offerings include the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the transformative Red Door Spa, five spectacular pools, ten championship tennis courts, and a diverse collection of culinary experiences, led by the inspired American Continental cuisine of AZUL Restaurant Lounge. For additional information call 520.742.6000; (800) 937-8461 or visit www.WestinLaPalomaResort.com.