Laurent Tourondel Taking the BLT Steak Concept to Betsy Hotel

South Beach, Miami

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, February 14, 2008. Whether it's the world of style, culture or cuisine, there's a finesse to crossing boundaries with grace. The Betsy Hotel, a stately evocation of colonial architecture in Deco-centric South Beach, turns classic lines into a soothing counterpoint for its curvy modern neighbors. Laurent Tourondel, executive chef and partner of BLT (Bistro Laurent Tourondel) Restaurants has crossed an ocean in coming to the U.S., and bridged cuisine and culture in winning the hearts of American diners. The only Miami location in the BLT Restaurant Group, BLT Steak is the culinary anchor of the new Betsy Hotel, slated to open mid 2008.

Two gracious designs meld to create the main lobby of The Betsy and the BLT Steak restaurant. Stylish but not trendy, they are of the moment yet rooted in the continuity of enduring tradition. In addition to the 88-seat restaurant, the Ocean Drive front patio provides al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner accommodating up to 100 guests or patrons. The Betsy and BLT Steak perfectly complement each other - a pair of modern classics that are at once cool and refined, professional and friendly.

Named "Restaurateur of the Year" in 2007 by Bon App'etit magazine, Tourondel takes the steakhouse concept to a new level by artfully combining the highest quality ingredients with the precision of exacting French technique. Acclaimed by Esquire magazine in 2004 as one of "the best new restaurants in America," BLT Steak has redefined the American steakhouse, satisfying the epicure and neighborhood diner alike.

BLT Steak offers a variety of cuts of USDA Prime, Certified Black Angus, American Waygu and Japanese Kobe beef, each naturally aged for maximum tenderness and flavor and served finished with herb butter in a cast-iron pan.

The menu is organized by category and complements dishes with corresponding savory sauces, such as Peppercorn, Maitre D'Butter, Horseradish or B'earnaise - all of which exemplify Tourondel's classic French training and insistence on perfection. Although delicate, fish, like meats, arrive in steakhouse sized portions, and are delivered in similar style. Sides recall the great steakhouses of the past, and include Grilled Asparagus, Stuffed Mushroom Caps, and eight different preparations of potatoes.

The French inflections in Tourondel's signature style can be seen in his preparation of the Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Soy-Lime dressing and signature giant gruyere cheese popovers. Dessert ends the meal with updated American classics such as Caramelized "NY" Cheesecake with Melon Syrup or Peach-Blueberry Cobbler and Lemon Verbena Sorbet and Cr^epe Souffl'e with Passion Fruit Sauce.

Designed by Michael Bagley, BLT Steak integrates the traditional elements of a steakhouse with a stylish urbane design. BLT's signature "blackboard" menu is prominently featured, highlighting the menu offerings of the day.

Like the Betsy, Tourondel understands restraint. Flash isn't the goal; quality and integrity are. For both hotel guests and destination diners, BLT Steak South Beach offers a world of comfort and good taste that is both elegant and electrifying.