ANAHEIM, CA – August 5, 2021 – Newly opened in June 2021, The Westin Anaheim Resort is delighted to announce its food & beverage executive team that helms the property’s distinct selection of five signature culinary concepts, including Anaheim’s only exclusive rooftop bar, RISE Rooftop Lounge; signature restaurant Tangerine Room; Bar 1080; a distinguished in-room dining program and over 47,542 square feet of meeting space for events, meetings, weddings, banquets receptions.
With Anaheim’s rich history and orange grove roots, premiere location among some of California’s most notable attractions including Disneyland® Resort, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Honda Center, and more, the impressive executive team will pave the way for a new chapter of culinary excellence in Anaheim.
Nicholas Kabetso | Director of Food & Beverage
Director of Food & Beverage at The Westin Anaheim Resort, Nicholas Kabesto is as innovative as he is skilled. His dynamic leadership style has proven itself time and time again, having boosted revenue streams, increased service scores, and credited with creating award-winning guest experiences. Finding a home in high-volume, fast-paced environments, Kabesto is perfectly equipped to usher in a new wave of culinary excellence in Anaheim at The Westin Anaheim Resort.
Skilled in revenue generation, change management and multi-platform marketing, Kabesto hails from two 4 Diamond resorts, including positions as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Anaheim and Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Hawaiian Village. In these roles, Kabesto oversaw teams of over 400 employees; served over 1,500 hotel rooms; managed multiple food and beverage outlets; coordinated expansive meetings and events; and concepted new menus and promotions. During his tenure at Hilton Hawaiian Village, his team earned Hilton Americas’ Food & Beverage Team of the Year award.
At The Westin Anaheim Resort, Kabesto will utilize his profound expertise and unwavering vision to cultivate local partnerships with leaders and purveyors, participate in executive communications, increase revenue, assist with concept ideation and development, and lead the hotel’s all-new culinary team to new bounds of creativity and success.
Mark Timms | Executive Chef
Executive Chef Mark Timms brings his illustrious experience to the newly opened The Westin Anaheim Resort, with notable tenures at Four Star and Four Diamond hotels, Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants, and overseeing high profile, large budget social and corporate events. With over 30 years of experience at leading hospitality companies, Chef Timms has now stepped into his dream post with Marriott International and Wincome Hospitality.
Prior to his role at The Westin Anaheim Resort, Chef Timms held positions with Accor Hotels – the largest hospitality company in Europe – and oversaw the brand’s culinary operations in Russia, Spain, France and Latvia. Most recently, he was the Executive Chef at Create, delivering events ranging from 50 to 2,500 guests held at some of the world’s most prestigious locations such as Kensington Palace, Saint James Palace, Windsor Castle, and Lancaster House.
From training alongside Michelin-starred chefs, playing host at the legendary James Beard House, and acting as the Royal household chef for Kensington Palace and Saint James Place, Chef Timms is sure to elevate Anaheim’s culinary scene as a whole, utilizing the fresh ingredients and creative styles that have become synonymous with Southern California.
Chef Timms holds an MBA in Global Business from University of London in the United Kingdom and is a part time Undergraduate of Literature at Cambridge University, having completed a number of leadership and diplomacy programs at SOAS University of London for Diplomacy and Queen Mary University of London for Leadership. In his free time, Chef volunteers for the Red Cross and prepares meals for those experiencing homelessness.
Mario Selar | Director of Beverage
Director of Beverage Mario Selar brings over 20 years of culinary experience to The Westin Anaheim Resort. Selar’s thoughtful approach makes his beverage programs truly unique, providing guests with offerings that are just as much experiential as they are exquisitely palatable.
Prior to his role with The Westin Anaheim Resort, Selar served as the Director of Outlets for Marriott and Hyatt properties located throughout Orange County, as well as the General Manager of the Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar in Orange County. During his time at the Silver Trumpet, the dining destination was recognized with the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Award of Excellence three years in a row.
At The Westin Anaheim Resort, Selar will be responsible for developing inspiring menus and programs, overseeing beverage banquets and catering, budgeting, team management and more. His worldly knowledge, insights and passion for beverage concepts and offerings will set the precedent for imbibing in Anaheim and beyond.
Andy De La Cruz | Lead Pastry Chef
A true artist at heart, Andy De La Cruz joins The Westin Anaheim Resort as the leading Pastry Chef. Driven by skill and quality, Chef De La Cruz is a proven leader, accredited for his creative cake decorating, artisanal bread making and expertise in large-scale banquet production. He has made appearances on the Food Network, and received multiple accolades and coverage for his larger-than-life holiday displays throughout Southern California.
Prior to his role at The Westin Anaheim Resort, Chef De La Cruz made a name for himself within Southern California and beyond as Fashion Island Hotel’s Pastry Chef for over 13 years. During his tenure, he oversaw all events; ideated seasonal offerings; and managed the hotel’s Market Place and a team of seven pastry chefs where he fostered an environment of growth and excellence among his team.
Chef De La Cruz has also held roles at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, Cicada Los Angeles and Bouchon in Beverly Hills. With his extensive education in all facets of pastry creation and substantial tenure at some of California’s most prestigious outposts, Chef De La Cruz will solidify The Westin Anaheim Resort’s position as a premier event destination – with the culinary vision to match.
