SEDONA, Ariz. - August 6, 2008 - Amara Resort Hotel & Spa, named one of the 2008 "World's Best Places to Stay" by Conde Nast Traveler, has named David Schmidt as the new chef for the property's fine "Cal-Ital" restaurant, Hundred Rox. In his new role, Schmidt will be creating an exciting selection of savory dishes for the mostly California inspired Italian menu, featuring some of the best pasta, fish, and veal dishes in the Southwest, a selection of sumptuous desserts, and an eclectic wine list. Enhancing the enticing menu are the spectacular views of Sedona Red Rocks which can be seen while dining inside or al fresco.
Raised in Wisconsin, Schmidt was inspired to explore his culinary talents by his beloved grandmother who cooked three squares a day for 16 children. (His first kitchen exploit was baking peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies.) He relocated to Arizona in the mid-1990s where he's been honing his craft for the past decade, creating his own unique flair for fine cuisine.
"I like to use local vendors for fresh produce when possible," says Schmidt. "For Hundred Rox, I look forward to incorporating fresh tomatoes, peaches, and other fruits into the Californi-inspired Italian menu. I've always had an interest in the foods of Italy and enjoy bringing some of the old world favorites into our menu items with new techniques, giving them a more modern flair."
Chef Schmidt has held positions at L'Auberge de Sedona, the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and T. Cook's at the Royal Palms in Phoenix, as well as serving as Executive Chef at the Mobil Four Star, AAA Four-Diamond rated Michaels at the Citadel in Scottsdale. He also was an instructor for his alma mater, the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, now Le Cordon Bleu, from which he earned a degree in 1996.
For more information or for reservations, call 928.282.4828 or visit www.amararesort.com .
About Amara Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
The AAA Four-Diamond Amara Resort Hotel & Spa, a 100-room boutique resort set against the beautiful Red Rocks in the heart of Uptown Sedona, is included in Condé Nast Traveler's 2008 Gold List of the World's Best Places to Stay. The word "Amara" is a combination of two Spanish words meaning "love" and "land." Many of the rooms and suites boast magnificent Red Rock views or patios overlooking Oak Creek and are carefully designed for the needs of both leisure and business travelers. Amara is also a popular location for destination weddings. The Amara Spa features six treatment rooms, relaxation lounge, separate male and female locker rooms with steam and showers, private yoga and totally natural products and treatments. Amara is located at 100 Amara Lane, Sedona, Arizona 86336. Visit www.amararesort.com or call 866.455.6610.
