Portland's Press Hotel Names Josh Berry as Executive Chef
PORTLAND, ME. - May 25, 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.
About The Press Hotel
Formerly home to the Portland Press Herald newspaper, this historic building is being transformed into a 110-room boutique hotel. Opening Spring 2015, The Press Hotel will celebrate the local arts and pay homage to the Press Herald past. The Press Hotel is part of the Autograph Collection™ and managed by Trust Hospitality. For more information or to call the pre-opening reservations office, visit www.thepresshotel.com or call 800-971-2000.
About Big Time Design Studios
Award-winning Big Time Design Studios specializes in offering a seamless combination of interior design, branding, fashion, music and food. Big Time Design presents unique high-style entertainment and restaurant concepts, lifestyle and boutique hotel design. Whether re-branding an established brand, designing a modern luxury residence or luxury boutique hotel, Big Time Design finds that how people move through a space, how they experience the journey, and how they interact with their surroundings are all built on the same foundation.
About Autograph Collection
Autograph Collection Hotels celebrate individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 75 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world's most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel has been hand selected for its distinction as an iconic landmark, its remarkable design or for its best-in-class resort amenities. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com
Media Contact:
Carla Tracy
[email protected]
212-696-0660
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
