FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2007

MEDIA CONTACT:            

B. Sinclair Public Relations

Bette Sinclair, bette@bsinclairpr.com, 503.226.0129

Jenny Storer, jenny@bsinclairpr.com, 503.226.0278              

RIVERPLACE HOTEL, A LARKSPUR COLLECTION HOTEL, WELCOMES

ANDREW J. VOYTKO AS EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THREE DEGREES

RESTAURANT AND BAR

Guests and Locals Alike “Meet, Greet and Eat” in Downtown Portland ’s Popular Gathering Place

Portland , Oregon –-   RiverPlace Hotel, Larkspur Hospitality’s landmark presence on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland , welcomes Chef Andrew Voytko as the new Executive Chef for its signature waterfront restaurant and bar, Three Degrees. Chef Voytko joins this popular riverfront destination, located a few blocks from downtown Portland , from San Diego ’s W Hotel , where he also held the position of Executive Chef for all of its food outlets, including its signature restaurant, Rice .

Chef Andrew J. “A.J.” Voytko’s culinary career began at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla , CA , where he worked as Sous Chef.   Since then he has gained nearly 10 years of experience working as Executive Chef at three renowned restaurants and hotels in the San Diego area, including CHIVE, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe , and Rice at the prestigious W Hotel .   In the August 2003 issue of Southwest Magazine , noted food & wine critic Anthony Dias Blue named Chef Voytko one of “ America ’s Youngest and Brightest Chefs.” Chef Voytko also holds the distinction of being named a “Rising Star of American Cuisine” by the James Beard Foundation.

“We are delighted to have an Executive Chef of A.J.’s experience join Three Degrees Restaurant,” said Dave Murray, General Manager, RiverPlace Hotel.  “Our location in Portland has been very successful since the hotel was renovated in the summer of 2004 and with his particular culinary skills, A.J. will help take our restaurant to an even higher level.  His new dinner menu has received wonderful comments from our guests.”

Known for the energy and passion that he brings to his work, Chef Voytko says his goal is to create a menu that celebrates the best of each season .   “In an area as rich as the Pacific Northwest where there is such a bounty of great food available from local growers, fisherman, and ranchers, what we need to do is let the goodness of nature speak for itself in our dishes.   Our menu will incorporate local foods like marion berries, organic potatoes, Hood River pears, Cattail Creek Lamb, grains like quinoa and polenta from nearby mills, vegetables from area farmers and, of course, the fabulous salmon.”

Having graduated with honors from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland , coming to RiverPlace is a homecoming of sorts for Chef Voytko.   “I’ve always loved the Northwest and I welcomed the opportunity to bring my family back to Portland to work at such a beautiful restaurant,” explains Voytko.   “We want to serve food that is as irresistible as the setting.   And the mantra of Three Degrees – that there is less separation between people in a community than even six degrees – really fits into the vibe of Portland which really has a warm, small town atmosphere.   As my team and I welcome guests to the restaurant each day, we want them to feel like they’re in the home of a good friend.   And, just as we did at the W Hotel in San Diego , our plan is to bring up the level of not only the menu but also the service.”

About Three Degrees Restaurant and RiverPlace Hotel

Three Degrees Restaurant and Bar is located along the scenic Willamette River , inside of RiverPlace Hotel.   Three Degrees offers fresh, seasonal, locally grown cuisine, beautiful river views, an open display kitchen and comfortable surroundings.   The bar features 3D Hour each day with a special bar menu and drink specials for just $3.   The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a weekly Sunday Brunch.   RiverPlace Hotel features 84 guest rooms and suites, many with stunning river views.   The hotel and restaurant underwent a comprehensive $3.5 million renovation in 2004, and was transformed into an elegant, upscale Northwest Craftsman-style riverfront destination.   The hotel features a complimentary business center in the beautifully designed lobby and 10 condominium-style riverfront residential suites adjacent to the hotel.   For meetings and weddings, RiverPlace offers over 3,000 square feet of meeting space.   RiverPlace Hotel and Three Degrees Restaurant are owned and operated by Larkspur Hospitality, based in Larkspur, California .

Three Degrees is located at 1510 SW Harbor Way , Portland , OR , 97201 . For more information, including menus, visit www.threedegreesrestaurant.com/portland/

###

Chef2Chef News DeskNews at Restaurant.OrgResearch and MarketsNation's Restaurant NewsSpecialty Eatery News