Park Hyatt Saigon is ready for a transformation, with the new appointment of three key positions in its Food and Beverage team. The five-star hotel welcomes Ricarda Schneider as the new Director of Food and Beverage, and Chef Ivan Barone as Chef de Cuisine at Opera restaurant; where as Marco Torre becomes its latest Executive Chef.

(TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - August 28th, 2014 - No stranger to frequent diners at Opera and Square One restaurants, Chef Marco Torre has won over many epicures with his outstanding cooking skills and charming personality.  Since his arrival in 2012 as Executive Sous Chef, Marco has contributed tremendously to the culinary excellence at Park Hyatt Saigon, with his expertise in both casual and fine dining.  From everyday dining to events catering, he has been overseeing all kitchen-related matters to ensure a world-class dining status for all restaurants at the hotel.  This Italian-born chef is also an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all members of the food and beverage team, constantly creating new menus and dishes to exceed guests’ expectations, and keep them coming back for more.  In his new position as Executive Chef, Marco will have the opportunity to explore and enhance his managerial skills, while further guiding the hotel towards culinary distinction and innovation.

As the new Director of Food and Beverage, Ricarda Schneider is bringing her nineteen years of experience in the hospitality industry to the celebrated cuisine outlets at Park Hyatt Saigon.  Before joining the hotel, Ricarda held the same position at Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Park Hyatt Melbourne and Hyatt Regency Ekaterinburg.  The German native has been spreading her work experience across continents, relocating from Egypt to Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Australia and now Vietnam.  With a work record for the Hyatt Hotels Corporation that spans over fifteen years, Ricarda has accumulated a deep understanding of Hyatt standards and expectations.  Her multi-cultural work background and outstanding knowledge of gastronomy are an important asset that will surely take Park Hyatt Saigon’s dining experiences to a whole new level.

The most recent addition to the team includes Chef Ivan Barone, an Italian national who has been building up his mastery in Italian cuisine since 1995.  His professional skills were put into practice and refined through his years catering to numerous restaurants and hotels in his home country.  Making his debut in Asia as Chef de Cuisine at Park Hyatt Saigon’s Opera restaurant, Ivan promises to deliver the most authentic Italian dishes to enthrall those who have a taste for Italian cuisine.  This young and innovative chef will bring a fresh air of delight to the already popular all-day dining venue right in the heart of Saigon.

Under the leadership and management of this strong and dedicated team, Park Hyatt Saigon will unveil more exciting menus and culinary activities to attract even more patrons.  This complementary trio will work together with a united goal of cementing Park Hyatt Saigon’s leading position in the luxury dining scene in Ho Chi Minh City.

About Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon, a 244-room hotel, is a central landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, located within walking distance to the business district and various cultural and historical sites. It features French colonial inspired rooms; a pillar-less ballroom with a drive-in vehicular access; two award-winning restaurants – Opera, serving Italian cuisine and Square One, serving Vietnamese seafood and Western steak. The hotel is also host to 2 Lam Son, the contemporary bar known for its stylish ambience and signature cocktails, and Xuan Spa, the tranquil retreat set amidst a tropical garden and an outdoor pool. Reservations for Park Hyatt Saigon may be made by calling +84 8 3824 1234 or visiting www.parkhyattsaigon.com.

About Park Hyatt

Intimate and residential in style, Park Hyatt hotels promise gracious service on a personal scale. Located in many of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt combines elegance with distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature sophisticated interiors, meeting and special event spaces for small groups and social occasions, critically acclaimed art programs, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs.  For more information and reservations, visit www.parkhyatt.com.

###