ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 21, 2016 — As a leader in the global hospitality industry, Orlando World Center Marriott proudly announces the appointment of Executive Chef Eric Martinez.
In this role, Martinez will utilize his wealth of knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to oversee all culinary direction and operation for banquets, special events and daily dining in the Orlando resort's 10 diverse, seasonally inspired restaurants and lounges.
Martinez began his career with Marriott in 2000 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Springs, CA and has demonstrated his culinary talents through a variety of roles with Marriott International including executive sous chef, director of food and beverage, executive chef and most recently executive sous chef/director of restaurant operations at the four-diamond Orlando resort. Originally from New Orleans and a graduate of Delgado College, Martinez believes that cooking is a language that expresses harmony, innovation, happiness, beauty, poetry, complexity, magic, humor and provocation.
Since beginning his new position as executive chef, one of Martinez's first tasks was to lead the charge launching the all-new Central Pantry. Focusing on fast, fresh, gourmet options, Martinez successfully opened this innovative grab-and-go marketplace offering chef-crafted cuisine perfect for travelers and locals. Whether it's a refreshing snack to relish poolside or just a quick bite before heading out, there are unlimited options available in this unique Orlando restaurant near Walt Disney World®. A variety of freshly prepared local food, protein shakes, coffee drinks, as well as spirits, wines and beers self-served on tap by the glass or bottle, are available.
"We are extremely proud to have Chef Martinez heading up our restaurant and catering operations," said Ralph Scatena, general manager of Orlando World Center Marriott. "He is extremely talented with an impressive gastronomic background. His unique blend of creativity and leadership exemplifies what an incredible asset he is to the team, and we are confident that guests and locals alike will love what he brings to the table."
Guests can dine around the world and experience culinary gems tucked away inside Orlando World Center Marriott. The resort is home to 10 distinct restaurants and lounges including Mikado's Japanese Steakhouse, serving exemplary sushi combinations and specialty drinks along with fun entertainment by skilled teppanyaki chefs; Hawk's Landing Steakhouse and Grill, providing America's finest cuts of USDA Prime aged beef and fresh seafood; and Siro: Urban Italian Kitchen, showcasing creative Italian cuisine with farm-to-fork flavors and an extensive wine list. Sports fans flock to High Velocity, a family-friendly sports bar that sets the standard while serving the best selection of beers and bar fare in town with more than 28 flat-panel HDTVs.
Towering above more than 200 prime central Florida acres, the AAA four-diamond resort offers everything a guest could possibly want — from the Falls Pool Oasis and championship golf course, Hawk's Landing Golf Club and Golf Academy, to a full-service spa and fitness center and more than 450,000 square feet of event space. The 2,009-room resort is 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World® and just minutes from Orlando attractions and shopping.
