SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (March 7, 2017) – Santa Barbara’s most anticipated luxury property, the Hotel Californian, is proud to announce the appointment of Alexander La Motte as executive chef for the new 121-room resort hotel set to debut this summer.
In this role, the talented La Motte will oversee all of the hotel’s culinary operations, including its exquisite Mediterranean and Contemporary American restaurant and the gourmet café, as well as a hands-on role creating customized offerings for special events and celebrations.
“We’re thrilled to have Alexander lead our culinary program,” said Carlos Lopes, managing director of the Hotel Californian. “He is true to classic culinary techniques, yet playful in his creations, and will bring local and seasonal ingredient-inspired cuisine to our unique coastal retreat.”
Most recently, as executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, La Motte lead all culinary operations and was instrumental in the reconceptualization and conversion of the former Season’s Restaurant to MKT Restaurant – Bar, now a top-rated San Francisco Steakhouse.
La Motte graduated with honors from The Culinary Institute of America and went on to intern at prestigious New York City dining bastions Jean George and Daniel Boulud. Moving to Napa Valley, he embraced roles at Thomas Keller’s Per Se and The French Laundry in Napa Valley where he served as chef de partie. La Motte also served as the saucier at Café Boulud in Palm Beach, Fla., sous chef at Daniel Boulud Brasserie in Las Vegas, chef de cuisine at The Park Chalet in San Francisco, executive sous chef at The Clift Hotel in San Francisco and executive chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California.
La Motte will bring his sterling pedigree, expertise and passion to the Hotel Californian, to establish the top culinary destination in Santa Barbara and central California.
