[Houston, TX – June 30, 2023] – The Laura Hotel, Autograph Collection, a luxury hotel situated in Downtown Houston, is pleased to announce that Chef Tiago Almeida has been appointed as Executive Chef to the culinary team. Chef Almeida brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to his role and is responsible for overseeing the menu and dining experience at Hull & Oak, the Southern-inspired cuisine, as well as the The Bar at The Laura, the hotel’s rooftop pool, and in-room dining.
“We’re thrilled to have Almeida join the team and bring an elevated experience to our southern-inspired offerings,” says Cindy Murphy, Regional VP of Operations, HEI Hotels & Resorts. “Almeida’s culinary expertise accompanied by his deep understanding of hotel hospitality and creating memorable moments aligns perfectly with what guests expect when visiting The Laura. We are confident that his attention to detail and vision for Hull & Oak and the hotel will have guests coming back for more!”
Drawing inspiration from his family’s gatherings during his childhood, Chef Almeida plans to take his favorite elements of southern cooking and elevate them to create a new dining experience at the hotel. He aims to create a menu at Hull & Oak with contemporary presentations of dishes, using traditional flavor profiles that will be familiar to guests and evoke feelings of nostalgia.
When asked about his favorite aspects of Southern Cuisine, Chef Almeida reflects on the scratch, homemade cooking that inspires him to build a palate memory towards seasonal natural flavors. “I’m excited for our guests to experience the next evolution of Hull & Oak,” says Chef Almeida. “My plan is to adapt southern comfort food into healthier and lighter versions without compromising on flavor.”
He adds, “I find my inspiration at the farmers market and local Co-op; incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is always the way to go.”
Before joining the culinary team at The Laura Hotel, Chef Almeida served as Executive Sous Chef at Granduca Houston Hotel. His culinary experience also includes Westin Oaks at Galleria, Intercontinental Houston Medical Center Hotel, Houston Four Seasons Hotel, Hotel Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon, Marriott West India Quay London, and more.
Hull & Oak offers a modern take on southern-inspired and Texas-traditional dishes, crafted from fresh farm-to-table ingredients to provide guests with an authentic Lone Star experience. From locals to out-of-town visitors, there’s something for everyone at this warm and welcoming concept. Hull & Oak serves breakfast, lunch, supper, and Sunday Brunch. A small menu of bar bites is available at The Bar at The Laura Hotel.
