PORTLAND, ME – May 21, 2015 – Portland native Josh Berry, a seasoned chef specializing in farm-to-fork cuisine, has been appointed executive chef at Portland’s new UNION Restaurant. Chef Berry will oversee all dining operations at UNION, located on 390 Congress Street, and at The Inkwell, the lobby bar of the brand new Press Hotel (119 Exchange Street), which opened on May 12 and is part of Autograph Collection™. The restaurant has been one of Portland’s most buzzed-about spring openings, and will further establish the city as a must-visit culinary destination.
Chef Berry has extensive experience in several acclaimed restaurants across the country, most recently as Executive Chef at Forbes 4-star, Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe, VT. Prior to that, he led the culinary operations at The BALSAMS Grand Resort in NH, the same establishment in which he had first apprenticed and began his training. Chef Berry also spent more than three years leading the kitchen as Executive Chef of the historic Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. Internationally, Josh spent a year working at Hotel Austoria in Luzern, Switzerland, and further honed his culinary talents in Italy, before returning to the U.S.
“We are thrilled that Chef Berry has joined our team at the helm for UNION,” said Press Hotel General Manager Michael Strejcek. “His culinary talent, creativity and background enhance our local-driven philosophy for both the hotel and restaurant. His Maine roots and passion for the culinary community here in Portland are palpable. He brings a great energy to the kitchen and it translates directly to the plate, delighting diners both locally and “from away” – as we say in Maine.”
Aptly named UNION, the name represents the restaurant’s relationship with the community – the local farmers, fishermen, brewers and craftsmen that create the uniquely Portland experience. A celebration of the region, Chef Berry created a menu that takes a fresh look at classic dishes using contemporary preparations and regional ingredients. Diners will find the diverse dishes approachable, sophisticated and most importantly — relevant to the vibrant Portland food scene.
The UNION restaurant design by Big Time Design Studios complements the hotel, and is intended as a centralized spot for locals-a place to converse, socialize, and share news. As the kitchen is traditionally a gathering place for family and friends, the restaurant’s design celebrates social interaction with a residential vibe.
In addition to UNION’s 65 restaurant seats, there will be lounge seating for 35 and bar seating for 18. Filling a void in the business “power breakfast” category for downtown Portland, UNION will serve breakfast from 7:00 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. A light fare menu will be available between 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Patrons can expect the menu to change seasonally.
For more information, please call 800-971-2000 or visit www.thepresshotel.com.
