L'Epicureo Names New Executive Chef, Sous Chef and Pastry Chef

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. October 14, 2008

PROVIDENCE, RI, January 26, 2006. L'Epicureo, located inside the Four Diamond Hotel Providence, and recognized as the city's premier restaurant, proudly announces the appointment of new Executive Chef, Mr. Richard Allaire. Chef Allaire has extensive experience in some of the top and most respected restaurants in Boston and Rhode Island for over 10 years.

In Boston, Chef Allaire gained experience at the Bay Tower Room, as a Sous Chef during the opening of Great Bay located in the Hotel Commonwealth, and also worked for Entremetier under Executive Chef and author Michael Schlow at the renowned Radius restaurant in Boston. In Rhode Island , Chef Allaire worked at Chez Pascal in Providence and at the exclusive Spiced Pear at The Chandler Hotel in Newport as Saucier.

While Chef Allaire has a teaching degree in secondary education, he found his true calling and passion as a chef, where he feels his learning is constant. A mentor to Chef Allaire was Michael Schlow at his acclaimed Radius restaurant in Boston. At Radius, Chef Allaire acquired the important aspects of discipline and structure of an executive chef's art and now enforces these beliefs at L'Epicureo. Also, Chef Allaire's experience with opening a luxury hotel, as he did at the Four Diamond Hotel Commonwealth in Boston, is most valuable to L'Epicureo considering its close relationship with Hotel Providence. In addition, Chef Allaire has brought to L'Epicureo a committed team with similar thinking, discipline and unabashed talent, who supply refined talents to their craft. Kevin Connor has been named Sous Chef, and Joshua Gomes named Pastry Chef, both graduates of Johnston & Wales.

L'Epicureo and the Hotel Providence

L'Epicureo has relocated from its venerable Federal Hill location to the city's first European-style boutique hotel, the Four Diamond Hotel Providence. The landmark property is nestled in the heart of historic downtown at 311 Westminster Street, in the revitalized Downcity Arts and Entertainment District. Since its move, L'Epicureo has expanded operations through additional seating capacity in a new 150-seat venue, access to over 4,000 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting facilities, and a more spacious kitchen to accommodate off-site catering.

L'Epicureo has received worldwide recognition from national publications including Gourmet and Bon Appetit, as a Four Diamond establishment by AAA. Featuring a Renaissance-inspired d'ecor and impeccable Italian cuisine, L'Epicureo delights patrons with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner and late night fare while function guests enjoy cuisine from simple to sublime, beautifully prepared and expertly served.

The Hotel Providence's prime downtown location, unmatched style and full complement of amenities draw visitors from all of New England as well as new restaurant patrons. Characterized by handsome architectural details and distinctive interiors punctuated by antiques, the 80-room hotel has received Four Diamonds by AAA in its first year of operation.

The successful husband and wife team of Tom and Rozann Buckner, owners/chefs, continue to oversee L'Epicureo, which they co-founded in 1993. From its humble start as an authentic family Italian butcher shop, it quickly became an overnight neighborhood sensation when it added casual, trattoria dining. L'Epicureo's fame grows with each passing year-- and so has the wait list for a table.

Adding to L'Epicureo's considerable allure are the seductive interiors conceived by the visionary design firm DiLeonardo International. Guests enter through the glamorous bar and lounge, with its cozy seating areas and seven-foot grand piano autographed by Henry Steinway. In the main dining room a visual tour de force awaits, with sparkling crystal chandeliers and rich burgundy walls serving as a dramatic backdrop to oversized Renaissance masterpiece paintings in gold leaf frames that dominate the restaurant. A focal point is the wine display wall of glass and stainless steel, with a nine-foot rolling ladder used to retrieve vintage bottles. A private dining room is available to accommodate up to 35 guests, while al fresco dining is offered in-season on the terrace.

L'Epicureo's commitment and dedication to quality continues at the Hotel Providence. Representing a unique dining experience, signature menu items feature classic presentations of such traditional favorites such as Slow Roasted Atlantic Salmon, Classic Veal Osso Buco over Risotto Milanese, Hand Made Main Lobster Ravioli, as well as decadent desserts - all made on the premises. Breads and pastas are all made from scratch onsite.

Combining exquisite cuisine and the ultimate in elegant meeting and banquet facilities, the Hotel Providence featuring L'Epicureo is destined to become a sought after destination for weddings, meetings and special events. Beautifully restored, the dramatic Tilden Thurber Ballroom with its massive coffered ceiling and oversized arched windows will offer 2,200 sq. ft. of space to accommodate large scale events. Three additional meeting rooms provide another 2,050 sq. ft. of space and will be ideal for more intimate events.