Chef of Hanover Marriott’s Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Allie’s American Grille Awarded Chef of the Year

Whippany, NJ - October 18, 2007- Chef Philip Medora of The Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey has just received the distinct honor of receiving two top culinary awards from Marriott International Hotels and Resorts. Chef Medora was recently named “Chef of the Year” and also received the company’s coveted “Award of Culinary Excellence.” He has been at The Hanover Marriott since 2005.

According to Marriott International Hotels and Resorts, candidates are selected for these awards based upon six criteria which include: measurable improvement in overall dining, outstanding achievement in culinary excellence, creativity and innovation, training of others, leadership, and personal development.

The award winning Chef Medora, whose first job was at New York City’s renowned Tavern on the Green, grew up in a big Italian family where meals were always the center of social gatherings. He decided to work in the culinary field because he wanted “to be a part of creating that warm, welcoming environment where people enjoy my dishes and they keep coming back.” At The Hanover Marriott, Chef Medora is able to do what he loves best — be creative with traditional ethnic dishes offered at the hotel’s grill and Irish pub.

Chef Medora oversees all food and beverage operations at the hotel’s restaurants which include the immensely popular Auld Shebeen Pub, a genuine Irish pub built in Ireland and reassembled piece by piece at the hotel; Allie’s American Grille; The Lobby Bar; room service; and all corporate, wedding, and social functions. The Hanover Marriott features a total of 18 recently renovated meeting rooms, the largest of which, the Grand Ballroom, is 10,750 square feet and able to accommodate up to 1,400 people seated.

Chef Medora will also be offering cooking classes at Allie’s American Grille. Interested participants can call the hotel to find out more information on the hotel’s restaurants and class schedules.
For additional information on The Hanover Marriott, call 973-538-8811 or visit www.hanovermarriott.com.