‘VIVE LA FRANCE’ WITH OMNI HOTELS
Irving, Texas (October 1, 2008) – Omni Hotels’ popular international culinary series, “Flavors of the World,” has debuted this season with an updated yet authentic celebration of the food and wine of France. “Savor the Flavors of France” spotlights a country that offers unparalleled cuisine evolving from centuries of a highly-revered culinary tradition. The one-of-a-kind brand-wide program, running from October 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, was achieved through a partnership with the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, represented in the U.S. by Sopexa/Food and Wines from France.
Omni Hotels are giving guests the opportunity to experience the unique flavors of France, ranging from escargot salads to rich, wintry coq au vin, all authentically prepared yet reinvented in a lighter and fresher way by Omni Hotels’ chefs. French wines and Champagne will also be readily available to pair with these fine dishes ranging from Burgundy to Beaujolais and all across the country, among the biggest wine-producing regions in the world. French cocktails -- also known as an apéritif meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal -- will also be showcased with special recipes featuring Grand Marnier and Grey Goose vodka.
“Delicious foods and wines are an unshakable part of the French experience,” said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food and beverage for Omni Hotels. “From Paris to Provence, Omni brings together traditional flavors and new techniques to deliver a uniquely authentic dining experience.
“We are delighted to share our wines and various products of France in this special partnership with Omni Hotels,” said Serge Lozach, managing director of Sopexa. “This unique program enables us to reintroduce North Americans to some of the greatest French cuisine and culture.”
France not only produces the greatest number of cheeses in the world, including Roquefort, Brie and Camembert, but they are also the leaders in the world in wine production and consumption. The French make 20% of the world's wine, and Omni Hotels’ offering enables guests to try a diverse range of wines over 80 different varieties have been selected across the brand for the program. A wine from the Languedoc region in the south of France, Petit Bistro, is also being featured for banquets.
Omni Hotels’ culinary team traveled to France to experience the local flavors and cooking techniques in order to bring the authentic experience back to their guests. In September, 45 of Omni’s executive chefs and food and beverage professionals visited Paris, Burgundy, Lyon and Avignon to immerse themselves in the traditions of French cooking, wine and culture. Omni’s culinary leaders visited more than 10 wineries to gain first-hand knowledge from wine makers in order to hand select wines to be featured during the “Savor the Flavors of France” program. In addition, the chefs discovered all the secrets of cheese-making during a day spent in the Burgundy region. They also trained at the renowned Valrhona École du Chocolat in Tain l’Hermitage in the middle of the Rhône Valley.
Omni Hotels is excited to be offering guests their French menu featuring dishes ranging from freshly baked breakfast croissants and bread from Délifrance with Bonne Maman jams to lunch items including Poêlée de St. Jacques Provençale (sautéed sea scallops in a chive oil) and Potage of St. Germain (split pea soup). Dinner entrées include Entrecôte au poivre et sa sauce Robert (ribeye steak with a Maille mustard sauce) and Pavé de saumon rôti a la fleur de sel (fillet of salmon). Omni Hotels is also enticing guests with their reinvented French dessert menu of tarte tatin, Valrhona mousse au chocolat and cinnamon and Navan crème brûlée.
Guests will be able to have a Parisian-style getaway without the usual jetlag with the “French Toast” and “French Kiss” packages. The “French Toast” package will offer guests at select hotels an exclusive culinary immersion weekend including deluxe accommodations, an authentic cooking and wine pairing class with an Omni chef and an all-inclusive French dinner, a French toast breakfast and a stylish wine tote souvenir. The “French Kiss” package offered over New Year’s Eve will allow guests to enjoy an authentic French dinner, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne to celebrate the New Year, breakfast in bed and a late check-out. These packages both range in the $399-700 price bracket.
ABOUT OMNI HOTELS
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 43 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its “Power of One” program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.
About The French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
The French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to raising the profile of French agri-food products in the U.S. through partnerships with hospitality and food and beverage companies and participation in leading food and wine events, such as The Food Network/South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The French ministry also hosts an annual, worldwide French Cocktail Hour Day event — Apéritif à la Française — an educational and festive celebration of the French ritual of l'apéritif, on the first Thursday in June.