Park Kitchen appoints Vijayan Francis Executive Chef

PARK KITCHEN APPOINTS VIJAYAN FRANCIS EXECUTIVE CHEF

Park Central Hotel’s Contemporary American Restaurant & Lounge Enters Summer 2014 Under New Leadership, Bringing Exciting Seasonal Specials to Midtown West

Park Kitchen appoints Vijayan Francis Executive ChefPark Kitchen, the inspired contemporary American restaurant & lounge at Park Central Hotel New York, is pleased to announce Vijayan Francis as Executive Chef.  Chef Francis, most recently of Essex House in NYC, brings over 20 years of professional culinary experience to Park Kitchen’s elegant, yet approachable destination.

Park Kitchen’s 70-seat restaurant and 50-seat bar will continue serving American cuisine with a focus on classic comfort dishes, all of which benefit from Chef Francis’ global perspective.  Having helmed the kitchens of restaurants in India and Australia, as well as in Cape Cod, MA and New York City, Chef Francis boasts a versatile skill set and an adventurous nature, both of which are consistently evident in his inspired cuisine.

Park Kitchen’s culinary program is complemented by an original beverage program tailored by mixologist Nick Mautone, a celebrated consultant, lecturer, and author ofRaising the Bar: Better Drinks, Better Entertaining.  Mautone (Gramercy Tavern, Gotham Bar & Grill) combines his cocktail artistry with expert industry insight to create a compelling program this is entertaining, unforgettable and truly distinctive of the venue’s spirit and personality.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Park Kitchen provides a warm and welcoming destination for hotel guests and neighborhood regulars alike.  Park Kitchen’s menus are complemented by Nick Mautone’s accessible wine list, imaginative cocktails, and smart selection of craft beers.  Wines are offered not only by the bottle, but by the quartinoas well, while the cocktail list provides compelling choices divided by section, so guests can choose from classic to creative.

Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Jeffrey Beers International, which implemented Park Central Hotel New York’s complete renovation and redesign, Park Kitchen features a stunning two-story lounge with two large communal tables, with a mezzanine-level dining room, overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby.

About Park Central New York:
Park Central New York is one of Midtown Manhattan’s iconic historic landmark properties.  Originally opened in 1927, the hotel is situated directly across from Carnegie Hall and just steps away from Central Park and other popular New York destinations.   The hotel features 761 guest rooms, a grand lobby and mezzanine, an expansive ballroom and a meeting space made up of over 15,000 square feet of diversified event areas, including 11 meeting rooms, one boardroom and one exhibition hall.   Park Central New York also features Park Kitchen, a full service restaurant and bar concept, as well as Central Market, a fine foods grab-and-go.  For more information, please visit www.parkcentralny.com.