Inspired by the Diverse Culinary Traditions of his Team, Chef McIver Elevates Dining Program with Bold Flavors and Quality Ingredients
SAN FRANCISCO (April 29, 2024) – W San Francisco, an electric urban oasis located in the heart of San Francisco’s culturally-vibrant SoMa District, is pleased to announce the appointment of James McIver as executive chef. With more than 25 years of experience, McIver trained in Paris at the École Supérieure de Cuisine Française and worked with renowned chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Thomas Keller. In his new role, McIver is enhancing the hotel’s culinary program and menus for its catering and banquet facilities, in-room dining, Living Room Bar, and its signature restaurant, TRACE. With a culinary foundation rooted in experiences he gained in Paris, the South of France, and the kitchens of Spain, McIver is approaching each menu as a canvas that expresses the diverse cultural narratives of his team and embodies the brand’s pioneering ethos with elevated twists on heritage recipes.
“It’s an honor to join W San Francisco to lead the talented culinary team who have already informed and inspired a new direction for the Living Room Bar and TRACE menus,” said Chef James McIver. “Driven by the impact that food has in bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, we hope to surprise and engage guests with every soulful dish.”
Under McIver’s visionary leadership, TRACE and the Living Room Bar will unveil new menus that spotlight the rich heritage of W San Francisco’s diverse culinary team through Modern Mexican, Latin, and Spanish cuisines. McIver will also showcase his dedication to quality and innovation by introducing bold flavors and premium ingredients such as Westholme Wagyu beef sourced from Australia and colorfully vibrant breakfast dishes featuring Hi Desert Egg’s cage-free Sunshine Yolk eggs.
“Chef McIver’s passion for his craft and commitment to excellence are admirable traits that guests will undoubtedly experience in each inventive dish he creates and prepares,” said Jeff Ossenkop, general manager, W San Francisco. “We look forward to seeing how his talent and creativity will amplify the new menus across the W San Francisco culinary program.”
Before his current role, McIver was executive chef at The Westin Los Angeles Airport. He was also part of the opening teams of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay and Four Seasons San Francisco, and contributed to new beginnings at various Hilton Hotels restaurant openings. McIver attributes his formidable culinary foundation and formation to his experience cooking internationally, including in Paris, the South of France, Spain, and Ontario to name a few.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.wsanfrancisco.com/.
