INDIAN WELLS, Calif.
Miramonte Resort & Spa, A Destination Hotel, located in Coachella Valley just outside of Palm Springs, Calif., announced the appointment of two new members to its executive culinary team: Jeffrey “JC” Converse, as director of food and beverage; and Paul Hancock as executive chef.
Converse joins Miramonte from the Aramark Sports and Entertainment beverage alcohol service and sales program at the Anaheim Convention Center, where he served as beverage operations manager. A top-performing food and beverage professional, Converse is credited with combining sales, marketing and business development expertise to deliver substantial revenue growth in highly competitive markets. He possesses expertise in strategic concept and menu development while meeting the bottom line. In his new role at Miramonte, Converse will oversee the food and beverage operations at the resort.
Serving most recently as assistant director of culinary experiences at The Camby, A Destination Hotel, in Phoenix, Ariz., Executive Chef Paul Hancock has been brought on board to oversee all culinary operations for the 11-acre property. Having spent more than a decade working in hotel kitchens around the country, chef Hancock has held positions such as executive sous chef at the Diplomat Country Club, Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla., executive chef consultant at Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, Calif., as well as a chef apprenticeship with L’auberge de l’Erdian in Veyier Du Lac, France. In his new role as executive chef at Miramonte, Hancock will oversee all daily kitchen operations and menus and maintain high culinary standards through the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
“JC and Paul are a dynamic addition to the team and are going to raise the bar on culinary experiences here in Coachella Valley,” said Mark Jeffrey, general manager, Miramonte Resort & Spa. “They’re already hard at work reinventing our offerings and creating the fresh ideas they will bring to Miramonte’s farm-to-fork culinary program. Meanwhile, I’ve had to start putting in extra time at the gym since they’ve’ been here!”
Through the combination of strengths from Hancock’s repertoire and under the leadership of Converse, the duo will work together to strengthen the culinary experience, from the pool area menus to fine dining, among other outlets.
Miramonte Resort & Spa offers 215 guest room and more than 30,000 square feet of event space and meeting venues. The 6,000-square-foot Mediterranean Ballroom can accommodate over 600 guests and the adjacent 4,500-square-foot lawn has a 560-person capacity./p>
