ORLANDO, Fla. – As a leader in the global hospitality industry, Orlando World Center Marriott proudly announces the appointment of Eric Martinez as Executive Chef. In this role, Martinez will utilize his wealth of knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to oversee all culinary direction and operation for the hotel including banquets, special events and daily dining in its 10 diverse, seasonally-inspired restaurants and lounges to elevate its high-quality standards to new heights.
Chef Martinez began his career with Marriott in 2000 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. and has demonstrated his culinary talents through a variety of roles with Marriott International including Executive Sous Chef, Director of Food & Beverage, Executive Chef and most recently Executive Sous Chef/Director of Restaurant Operations at the Four-Diamond Orlando World Center Marriott. 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. Throughout his established history, Martinez has proven his ability to create extraordinary dishes, manage kitchens and staff, and exceed guest expectations.
Since beginning his new position as Executive Chef, one of Martinez’ first tasks was to lead the charge launching the all new Central Pantry at Orlando World Center Marriott. Focusing on fast, fresh gourmet options, Martinez successfully opened this innovate grab-and-go marketplace offering chef-crafted cuisine perfect for travelers and locals alike. 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 setting, including everything from freshly prepared local food and protein shakes for the fitness traveler to a variety of coffee drinks for a morning or afternoon caffeine craving, as well as spirits, wines and beers self-served on-tap by the glass or bottle.
“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… the new Central Pantry is already a testament to that.”
Guests dine around the world and experience culinary gems tucked away inside the Orlando World Center Marriott. 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 teppan-yaki 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, as this family-friendly sports bar sets the standard, serving up 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 Orlando World Center Marriott offers everything a guest could possibly want. Still basking in the glow of an extensive multi-million dollar transformation, the resort features everything on-premise from the Falls Pool Oasis to a championship golf course, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club and Golf Academy, a full service spa and fitness center, more than 450,000 sq. ft. of event space, as well as 10 taste-tempting restaurants and lounges, including the all new Central Pantry featuring refreshing snacks and beverages perfect for guests on-the-go. In this magnificent locale, with year round average temperatures sitting at 78°, the 2,009-room resort is located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World® and just minutes from SeaWorld® Orlando, Discovery Cove®, Aquatica™, LEGOLAND® and Universal Studios® Orlando.
For additional information on Orlando World Center Marriott or to book a reservation, call 1-800-380-7931 or visit www.worldcentermarriott.com.
