[Los Angeles, 21st December, 2022] Proper Hospitality today announces the appointment of Chef Manuel Portillo as Executive Chef at Hotel June’s flagship property in West LA. Hotel June is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hotel launched in 2020 by Proper Hospitality (Proper Hotels, Hotel June, The Collective), sharing all the hallmarks of the Proper brand – high-design, innovative food & beverage offerings and a best-in-class guest experience – in an approachable, casual setting. Hotel June’s renowned food & beverage program brings a Cal-Mex flair to locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. With this appointment, Portillo will be bringing his own California-meets-Modern-Southwest twist to culinary offerings across the property.
Portillo spent a decade working in innovative fine dining restaurants in Las Vegas, including Spago, Trevi, Joel Roubuchon, RM Seafood and Cafe Hollywood, before spending 4 years as Executive Sous Chef of The Henry brand for Fox Restaurant Concepts. Most recently, he joins Hotel June from Venice, CA’s Nueva where he served as Executive Chef. He intends to draw influence from the culture, art and food of the West and Southwest for the menus at Hotel June West LA.
“I am so excited to join the Proper Hospitality and Hotel June team. We share a drive to always look for the next great guest experience, and I look forward to bringing that to the Hotel June community through our food and beverage offerings,” says Chef Manuel.
“We are thrilled to have Chef Manny join our team at Hotel June LA within Proper Hospitality. He brings incredible culinary talent, years of experience creating F&B concepts, and a true passion for hospitality. Together, we will grow the menu and concepts to new heights with the bounty of local produce, fresh caught seafood, and continue to stay true to our culinary road trip from Baja to Santa Barbara,” says Michael Davis, VP of Food & Beverage Operations for Proper Hospitality.
Portillo will oversee the Hotel’s signature poolside restaurant Caravan Swim Club, a two-level outdoor restaurant and bar that celebrates California and Baja California’s regional influences. The restaurant champions local ingredients revealed in vibrant dishes including locally-caught seafood, seasonal salads, sharing plates, freshly shucked oysters and other all-day fare appropriate for the poolside setting. The food program is complemented by a robust bar program of natural and biodynamic wines, craft beers and an extensive spirits portfolio that includes more than 100 agave offerings. In addition to Caravan Swim Club, Portillo will oversee the reopening of the property’s ground floor restaurant Scenic Route, later next year.
Hotel June opened in 2020 marking a new chapter of approachable lifestyle for Proper Hospitality, helmed by co-founders Brian De Lowe and Brad Korzen. Inspired by the soul and spirit of California and named to reflect new beginnings and a year-round summer sensibility, Hotel June is a stylish destination that invites frequent stays for travelers, while also offering an essential setting for locals together. The 250-room property is housed in a historic mid-century building originally designed by Welton Beckett with relaxed, vibrant interiors from Venice-based design agency Studio Collective featuring light, natural woods, native fabrics, handmade tiles and local art. Rooms are appointed with custom furnishings, Italian Fili D’oro linens and Aesop bath products, among other comforts including expansive city views. With its convenient Westside location, the property is minutes from the Playa Del Rey beach, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice, LAX and in close proximity to the new NFL SoFi Stadium and L.A. Forum.
