El Encanto Names Executive Chef Patrice Martineau

Originally from Troyes, France, Martineau brings international and national award-winning experience to the iconic Santa Barbara property, scheduled to re-open in March 2013 as the only West Coast hotel under the luxurious Orient-Express portfolio. Set to become a culinary destination, El Encanto will incorporate the produce and seafood of the Santa Barbara region into the wonderfully inventive French and Asian inspired “California Coastal Cuisine,” highlighting Chef Martineau’s experience in Tokyo, London and New York City.

“Following a careful selection process, we are delighted to have someone of Chef Martineau’s caliber at the helm of our culinary offerings,” said Laura McIver, the General Manager of El Encanto. “I’m very excited to develop a Californian coastal cuisine (with my own unique French flair), especially given the wealth of fresh produce available in Santa Barbara, as well as my own Chef’s Garden at El Encanto,” added Chef Martineau. “Complementing our menu with a selection of great wines, fabulous service and of course our stunning views, we will have a winning recipe for our guests.”

Chef Martineau’s menu will incorporate freshly picked herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s Chef’s Garden as well as seasonal produce and Santa Barbara’s famous sea urchin. Customized offerings will include El Encanto’s personal Holstein cow, Ellie, who will produce signature El Encanto cheese. Upon re-opening in March, guests will enjoy spring favorites like Dashi Poached Local Halibut with Rosemary Flowers, Asparagus Risotto and Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Year-round dishes will include Braised Beef Cheeks in Red Wine, Slow-Roasted Daikon Radish and Parsley Sweet Garlic Sauce, Seaweed Custard with Poached Quail Eggs, and Caramelized Santa Barbara Uni and Yuzu Kosho Whipped Cream.

Prior to joining El Encanto, Chef Martineau was the Chef De Cuisine at PETER at THE PENINSULA TOKYO, where he was first selected as the Opening Chef to launch the gastronomic restaurant. His former international experience also includes a two-year Executive Chef position at THE SAVOY in London. Starting off as the Sous Chef in 1999, Martineau quickly moved up through the ranks at DANIEL in New York City and became the Chef de Cuisine in 2003. Martineau’s colorful resume also consists of numerous television appearances on BBC, including a guest judge on the popular Celebrity Masterchef. With a Masters in the Culinary Arts from Chambre Syndicale de l’Aube, Martineau worked with Christophe Cussac from whom he learned the essentials of gastronomic cuisine and the skills needed to achieve the highest level of culinary skills.

For more information about El Encanto or for reservations, please visit www.elencanto.com.

About El Encanto:

Located in Santa Barbara’s American Riviera, the meticulously restored El Encanto reopens in March 2013 as part of the luxurious Orient-Express portfolio. The iconic early 20th-century property is situated atop a hillside, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled amid seven acres of gloriously landscaped gardens with a historic trellised lined arbor and lily pond, El Encanto’s 92 bungalows offer a secluded retreat. Designed in quintessential California bungalow styles, El Encanto offers an authentic setting for romance and rediscovery. Following its reopening, guests will enjoy a beautifully appointed boutique spa, signature restaurant featuring California coastal cuisine and a Santa Barbara dedicated wine list, a sumptuous outdoor swimming pool, a window-lined ballroom with private terrace, three meeting rooms with panoramic ocean views, and an array of outdoor event venues. For more information, please visit: www.elencanto.com

About Orient-Express:

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. is a luxury hotel company and sophisticated adventure travel operator which seeks to deliver memorable experiences that are the ultimate expression of each destination’s authentic culture. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly thereafter recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today the Orient-Express brand embraces 45 hotel, cruise and luxury rail businesses in 22 countries, including distinctive properties such as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg, Hotel Ritz Madrid, Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Maroma Resort and Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The Company also operates six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and the ‘21’ Club, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants and watering holes. For more information, please visit: www.orient-express.com