Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago Appoints Rick Starr to Executive Chef of Filini Bar & Restaurant

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. July 28, 2016

CHICAGO, IL. July 28, 2016 - Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago appoints Rick Starr to executive chef of Filini Bar & Restaurant. In this role, Starr oversees the culinary program at the hotel's restaurant.
Starr's passion for food started at young age growing up on the South Side of Chicago in Bridgeport. He loved to be in the kitchen whether he was cooking or taste-testing what his family was making. Starr began his professional culinary journey at Kendall College, which led him to the helm of a small steakhouse just over the Illinois border in Wisconsin before returning to his home state.
Starr takes a simple, minimalist approach to food, in order to allow each ingredient to sing. Fresh produce and the changing seasons are his driving inspiration when creating new dishes. “My motto is to not overcomplicate a dish,” said Starr. “I pride myself and my staff on using the freshest in-season ingredients that farmers and foragers are able to deliver.”
Starr will be introducing new seasonal, locally-sourced dishes to the menu at Filini Bar & Restaurant. New dishes include the Parma, Italy inspired Tortelli with Radical Root Farm rainbow Swiss chard, bufala ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano butter, which is made in-house daily; and Braised Veal Cheeks with foie gras, and Italian summer truffle.

“Chef Starr is known for his sophisticated approach to seasonal dishes, and we are ready to see what he brings to Filini Bar & Restaurant for our guests to enjoy,” said Robert Shelley, general manager, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago. In addition to taking on the role of executive chef at Filini Bar & Restaurant, Starr also owns a farm-to-table restaurant, Ad-Lib Geocafe, in Lindenhurst, Illinois. Starr enjoys playing hockey and spending time with loved ones in his spare time. He donates food and his time to local organizations such as Plates of Hope and the Farm to Table Lunch program at Prairie Crossing Charter School.

About Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

Located in Chicago's iconic Aqua Tower (221 North Columbus), just steps from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, is the award-winning Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago. Built to LEED Silver certification standards, the hotel features 334 fashion-inspired guestrooms; 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space; an 80,000 square foot recreation deck and green roof; state-of-the-art fitness center; and on-site dining at the modern Italian Filini Bar & Restaurant. For reservations and more information visit, www.radissonbluchicago.com or call +1 (312) 565-5258. Connect with Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago on social media: @RadissonBluAqua on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/RadissonBluAqua.

About Radisson Blu®

Radisson Blu® is one of the world's leading hotel brands with nearly 300 hotels in operation in 69 countries and territories. Radisson Blu's vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality is characterized by a unique Yes I Can!SM service philosophy, and all of its first class hotels offer a range of signature features that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Distinguished the world over as the brand with Hotels Designed to Say YES!SM, Radisson Blu offers a vivid visual celebration of leading-edge style where the delight is in the detail. Radisson Blu hotels are located in prime locations in major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations across the world. Radisson Blu is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM. For reservations and more information visit, www.radissonblu.com. Connect with Radisson Blu on social media: @RadissonBlu on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.com/RadissonBlu.

Contacts:
Samantha Tofanelli
Wagstaff Worldwide
[email protected]
(312) 943-6900

Kathleen O'Connell
Wagstaff Worldwide
[email protected]
(312) 943-6900

Ben Gardeen
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
[email protected]
(763) 212-8129