Food Network Champion Oversees Expanded Pastry Options for Special Events, Groups and Everglades Restaurant at I-Drive Luxury Hotel
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Robert Hubler
rhubler@RosenHotels.com, (407) 639-4212
ORLANDO (May 16, 2019) — With more than two decades of experience at AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels, acclaimed pastry chef Alon Gontowski has joined the award-winning culinary team at Orlando’s Rosen Centre, enhancing the many delicious indulgences available for special events, groups and Everglades Restaurant guests at the International Drive luxury hotel.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Cherry Hill, N.J., Chef Alon has dazzled diners across the United States, with stints in the kitchens of Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun, Las Vegas’ JW Marriott, Harrah’s, Desert Inn and The Rio, and most recently at Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Along his career path, he developed menu selections for more than two dozen restaurants, among them Todd English’s Tuscany and Michael Jordan’s Steak House.
His accomplishments also include a silver medal in the American Culinary Federation’s pastry competition and a Guinness World Record as part of the team that created the world’s largest wedding cake. However, taking the top prize on Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” TV competition lifted his rising star to new heights.
At Rosen Centre, Chef Alon joins an award-winning banquet and catering staff recognized for excellence in food and beverage at one of Orlando’s premier meetings properties.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to showcase the talents Chef Alon with all of the Rosen Centre team members,” Michael Rumplik, Executive Chef, Rosen Centre. “As we continue to expand our talents, guests will enjoy many sweet memories.”
Exceptional service and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a Rosen Centre event, from casual coffee breaks to fully themed, lavishly decorated functions. Led by culinary masters with experience at some of the world’s finest venues, the banquet and catering staff creates dishes of incredible quality and unparalleled flavor, presented in stunning ballrooms, elegant meeting rooms and a tropical, poolside oasis.
Chef Alon also will bring his wizardry in sugar and chocolate to the menu of Rosen Centre’s award-winning Everglades Restaurant, where guests experience the flavors of Florida crafted from locally source seafood, meats and produce.
Describing his techniques as old school with a touch of the contemporary, Chef Alon says that while he loves “the controlled chaos of the kitchen,” the greatest reward is knowing when he’s delighted a guest with a sweet memory they’ll treasure long after.
“The greatest joy of my profession comes from catering to our guests’ expectations,” he said. “There’s nothing like the pride of seeing their reactions to our desserts.”
Rosen Centre is located at 9840 International Drive in south Orlando. For more information, including special packages for overnight stays, upscale dining, catered group events, expansive meeting facilities and more, visit RosenCentre.com or call (800) 204-7234.
About Rosen Centre
Sophisticated and stunning, the 24-story Rosen Centre hotel is conveniently located amidst Orlando’s famous International Drive attractions and features upscale leisure amenities, an exclusive VIP concierge lounge and 1,334 newly refreshed, contemporary guestrooms. On-site offerings like The Spa at Rosen Centre, sparkling pool, fitness center and nine dining options make Rosen Centre an inspired choice. The popular Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill is the only full restaurant along International Drive with both indoor and outdoor options that let guests enjoy the warm Florida sunshine, cool breezes and serene palm tree-lined views.
Devotion and enthusiasm to the guest experience, coupled with an amazing venue, are the benchmark of Rosen Centre in Orlando. Winner of a 2017 Stella Award, the Rosen Centre staff embodies a commitment to unparalleled service that can only be described as the Rosen Difference. Its unheard-of employee longevity creates an experienced and knowledgeable foundation to deliver the smoothest, most flawless events possible. The award-winning hotel is conveniently connected to the Orange County Convention Center via a covered pedestrian skybridge and has 150,000 square feet of beautiful and tech-forward meeting spaces, including 35 meeting rooms and three ballrooms spanning 14,000 to 35,000 square feet.
