Bruce Wennerstrom, general manager of the Westin Portland Harborview, a Rockbridge portfolio hotel, announced the appointment of renowned Portland chef, Timothy Labonte, as executive chef. Labonte, formerly of the Portland Harbor Hotel, has led the kitchens of premier hotels and resorts from Maine to Florida and was trained at Johnson & Wales prestigious College of Culinary Arts.
“Portland is a town that takes dining seriously, and guests expect an elevated level of inventiveness at the table,” said Wennerstrom. “Tim earned a stellar reputation for creative cuisine at one of Portland’s finest boutique hotels and undoubtedly will bring Congress Squared (C2) and our catering operations to new levels of sophistication. He’s known for his facility with Maine ingredients, like fiddleheads, blueberries and seafood, of course, so he’ll be able to give guests the distinctly local flavor they expect from a trip to Portland.”
An advocate for local sourcing and seasonally changing menus, Labonte previously was executive chef at the Bradley Inn in New Harbor, Maine. He also held the same position at two popular Rockland restaurants and the Pier House Resort and Spa in Key West, Fla.
“It wasn’t long ago that hotel restaurants were the land of steaks, omelets and club sandwiches,” noted Labonte. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of the tidal shift away from the predictable and towards the imaginative use of fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, so that guests can have a locally relevant meal in the comfort of their hotel. The opening of the Westin Portland significantly elevated the hospitality offerings in Portland, and I am certain that my experience in this market and relationships with local farmers and fishermen will add something meaningful to their table.”
Located in the heart of Portland’s arts district at 157 High Street, the 289-room and suite Westin Portland Harborview is the result of an 18-month, $50 million renovation that transformed a beloved, 1920s era grand dame into the city’s most elegant hotel. The Westin Portland Harborview is within easy walking distance of the city’s best dining, shopping and art galleries, as well as the Old Port District. Recently ranked the “fifth hippest city in the U.S.” by Travel & Leisure magazine readers and the “#1 Foodiest Small Town” by Bon Appetit, Portland is celebrated for its live music scene, fine dining, independent boutiques and eco-friendly lifestyle.
For additional information, please go to www.westinportlandharborview.com. Reservations at C2 are available through OpenTable
About New Castle Hotels & Resorts
Westin Portland Harborview is operated by Shelton Ct. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer with 29 hotels and resorts and nearly 5,000 rooms under contract or in development. New Castle’s growing portfolio of hotels spans 10 states and three Canadian provinces and includes several of Canada’s historic landmark resorts. The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top hotel management and development companies in North America. New Castle is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton and Starwood families. For additional information, please go to www.newcastlehotels.com.
