TAOS, NM – (June 1, 2007) The AAA Four-Diamond El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa is proud to announce the return of Ruben Tanuz as Executive Chef at the award-winning De La Tierra Restaurant. 

Tanuz, now once again responsible for the culinary operations of the resort’s De La Tierra restaurant, The Gardens of De La Tierra and the Anaconda Bar was previously chef de cuisine at El Monte Sagrado from January 2005 to January 2007, when he was originally promoted as Executive Chef. 

Before his first tenure at El Monte Sagrado, Tanuz served as the executive chef and sous chef at The Chattooga, was also a line cook and head line cook at Quail Run Resort Community and Fuego Restaurant, and prior to that served as a cook and contract chef at Frankie's and Ponce De Lion.

“We are thrilled to have Chef Tanuz back at El Monte Sagrado, says Jeff Mahan, general manager of the luxury resort and spa. His popularity here combined with his new and exciting ideas for the cuisine will guarantee a spectacular dining experience for our guests.

 

The culinary history of New Mexico, as well as the abundance of quality local products, serves as the foundation to Chef Tanuz’s culinary philosophy.  He subtly introduces a global twist to local favorites while always looking for new methods and ingredients to introduce to the kitchen.  Sample dishes from his new menu include: Quail Relleno – Black Mission Fig, Poblano and Serrano Ham Stuffed Quail, Cinnamon Fruit Brioche “Pan Frito” with a Cinnamon Piñon Butter Demiglace; Basque “Surf & Turf” – Creamy Polenta with Roasted Mussels, Poblano Peppers, Garlic Chips, Chicharrones and Manchego Cheese; and Seared Elk Chop & Bison Grilled Sausage with Sweet Potato Bread Pudding and Mole Negro are sure to become classics at de La Tierra.

 

Tanuz has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts from Santa Fe Community College and was New Mexico Chapter of the American Culinary Federation 1999's Chef of the Year and won the Best of Show Award in the Hot Food Competition of the New Mexico Restaurant Association Holiday OLE Food Show.

 

About El Monte Sagrado
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa is located in Taos, NM at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  The décor at El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa reflects an array of global influences, with motifs inspired by Native American culture, foreign lands and local artists. The property is preparing to unveil its major expansion of 30,000 square feet to add 48 new guest rooms, for a new total of 84 luxury accommodations; nearly 10,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space; and six additional treatment rooms at The Living Spa.  The Living Spa is a serene experience for body and soul, offering customized spa services based on the healing, restorative treatments and spiritual practices of cultures worldwide.

 

De la Tierra Restaurant celebrates creative, global cuisine with an environmental focus on naturally and locally grown provisions and serves cutting-edge regional and seasonal American dishes from a diverse menu and fine wines.  For further information or reservations, phone (800) 828-8267, or visit  www.kesslercollection.com.

 

About The Kessler Collection
Richard C. Kessler's Luxury Hotel Collection includes the AAA Four-Diamond Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, CO; the AAA Four-Diamond Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, FL; the AAA Four-Diamond Celebration Hotel in Celebration, FL; the AAA Four-Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando, FL; the AAA Four-Diamond El Monte Sagrado in Taos, NM; the AAA Four-Diamond Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA; the historic Kehoe House in Savannah, GA; Columbia Place luxury condominiums, Savannah, GA; and Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences, St. Petersburg, FL – scheduled to open 2009. Kessler’s Grand Theme Hotel collection includes the Doubletree Castle Hotel in Orlando, FL; Sheraton Studio City Hotel in Orlando, FL; and Sundy House, a Kessler-managed property in Delray Beach, FL.