SANTA MONICA, CA (June 18, 2019) – Hotel Casa del Mar, an Edward Thomas Collection property, has announced the appointment of Diego Ruiz de Porras as the oceanfront property’s Director of Food & Beverage. In his new role, Ruiz de Porras will manage all culinary operations for the Santa Monica luxury hotel, including overseeing service and guest experience at Catch American Seafood and all-day-dining concept Terrazza Lounge.
Ruiz de Porras will bring more than a decade of global experience in the culinary industry to Hotel Casa del Mar after leading food and beverage teams at iconic restaurants including Jean-Georges at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, the Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel and the two-Michelin-starred La Table de L’Espadon at Hôtel Ritz Paris.
“Diego’s creativity and flair for culinary presentation is a perfect match for Hotel Casa del Mar’s dynamic dining experiences,” said Charlie Lopez-Quintana, General Manager, Hotel Casa del Mar. “We couldn’t be more excited to offer guests a twofold picture-perfect experience with both incredible food and cocktails in the amazing backdrop of the California coastline under his new direction.”
Ruiz de Porras has earned recognition from food authority ZAGAT’s “30 Under 30” as one of Los Angeles’ culinary gamechangers under the age of 30 and has been knighted by the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne. With both French and Spanish heritage, Ruiz de Porras enjoys exploring top cultural destinations in Spain, France, the United States and Canada in addition to competing in U.S. Masters Swimming and USA Triathlon competitions.
