NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 25, 2016) – Loews Vanderbilt Hotel announces the appointment of Brandon Fortune as Executive Chef. A seasoned professional, Fortune brings over a decade of experience that spans both coasts to his new role overseeing all culinary operations at the hotel, including its banquet kitchen and award-winning Southern brasserie, Mason’s.
“Brandon brings the right mix of culinary talent and luxury hospitality experience to the helm of our robust food and beverage program,” said Tony Phillips, general manager of Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. “We’re thrilled to welcome Brandon to the team and we know his creative energy and enthusiasm will translate into dining programs with character.”
Fortune joins Loews Vanderbilt Hotel from L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa in the San Diego area where he served as executive chef, overseeing KITCHEN 1540 and resort operations. A native of the southeast, Fortune’s menus reflected the influence of his Southern upbringing and earned the hotel and restaurant numerous “Best of San Diego” accolades. His experience is rooted in hotels and hospitality, beginning his career at Four Seasons Atlanta Hotel before moving west to work for The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort in San Diego as a member of their opening culinary team. In 2010, Fortune opened Aquamoree, a Southern-inspired tapas restaurant in La Jolla, Calif. which was named “Best American Restaurant in San Diego,” by Opentable.com.
“Nashville’s reputation as a food scene has exploded and I’m excited to be returning to my Southern roots in this great city,” said Fortune. “I look forward to collaborating with our local community of food purveyors to create a dynamic culinary program for Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and Mason’s.”
Fortune is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta. In addition to his responsibilities at the 340-room property, Fortune will also work in partnership with celebrity personal trainer Erin Oprea on the hotel’s healthy menu offerings as part of its “BALANCE with Erin Oprea” wellness program.
