Acclaimed chef to lead culinary program at the newly redesigned boutique hotel and signature dining experience, The Front Yard
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Following a multi-phase, multi-million dollar renovation, The Garland, a boutique hotel property with a longstanding Hollywood history, announces the appointment of Chris Turano to the position of Executive Chef. With more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Turano brings an unmatched passion and enthusiasm for food to the kitchen at North Hollywood’s newly revamped property. In his new role, Turano will oversee the launch of The Garland’s new standalone restaurant, The Front Yard, in addition to the hotel’s in-room dining and banquets.
“We’re happy to welcome Chef Turano on board during this exciting phase of The Garland’s transformation, beginning with this summer’s launch of both the hotel and our new neighborhood dining experience – The Front Yard,” said General Manager Scott A. Mills. “His culinary approach embodies the spirit of The Garland, combining thoughtfully crafted food and drink with warm and engaging service in all aspects of the hotel’s food and beverage program.”
Most recently, Turano served as Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, Calif. where he utilized the area’s bounty to create an identity for the resort’s restaurant, The Bistro. Turano began his career studying under Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2001, Ted Cizma, at Elaine Restaurant in Chicago. He then went on to hold various leading roles at premier Chicago dining establishments including Executive Chef at The Chicago Firehouse; Executive Chef at ESTATE Ultra Bar; and Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Hotel where he led all food service operations, bolstered guest satisfaction and spearheaded special events.
Having opened over 10 restaurants in his career, Turano’s notable successes include re-opening the Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago and the launch of Glen Prairie, named one of the top 20 restaurants in 2009 by Chicago Magazine. No stranger to the public eye, Turano also competed on and won the Food Network’s show, “Chef Wanted,” in 2013. Turano is a graduate of the College of DuPage and also holds a Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 Certification.
“The Front Yard is an exciting new destination in the Valley where there’s already a burgeoning culinary scene, and I’m eager to showcase the reimagined space to guests and locals this summer,” said Executive Chef Chris Turano. “I strongly believe in The Garland’s primary focus, taking the best in-season ingredients and creating honest food. The work that a chef does is similar to the work of a craftsman. We take the beautiful bounty that Mother Nature produces and elevate it, which lets the ingredients shine.”
Set to open this June, The Front Yard, The Garland’s highly anticipated dining destination, will lend itself to elevated social dining with a simplified, approachable menu. The Front Yard celebrates the Los Angeles food scene while providing a uniquely alfresco Southern Californian atmosphere where both Angelenos and visitors will have an experience complemented by the familiarity of dining at a close friend’s home. With updated décor, the addition of an expansive outdoor patio and a hip bar serving classic cocktails infused with modern touches, The Front Yard brings a new, unparalleled neighborhood-dining concept true to the hotel’s legacy and the Valley.
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Built in 1972 by Fillmore Crank for his wife, well-known Hollywood actress, Beverly Garland, The Garland has a colorful history and strong presence in the North Hollywood community. In the second generation of family management, James Crank took over the helm in 1999. Today, Mr. Crank has brought together top talent in the hospitality industry to continue the success of the revered hotel. Debuting summer 2015, The Garland will boast 243 renovated guest rooms and 14 suites, updated public spaces, the addition of a brand new outdoor garden/wedding venue – Beverly Park, and a completely redesigned signature restaurant, The Front Yard. Located just minutes from many of Hollywood’s most popular destinations, including Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk, Hollywood, The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Warner Bros Studios, the hotel is ideal for families, couples and business travelers alike. For more information, please visit www.thegarland.com.
About The Garland
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), owns and/or manages 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states. A force in the hospitality industry, Marcus Hotels & Resorts provides expertise in management, development and historical renovations. The company’s portfolio includes a wide variety of properties including city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts and branded first-class hotels. For more information, please visit www.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).
