Bear Mountain Welcomes Chef Michael Matarazzo as Executive Chef

BEAR MOUNTAIN, N.Y., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Bear Mountain is proud to welcome Chef Michael Matarazzo, as the new executive chef. Chef Matarazzo will direct the culinary efforts at the Overlook Lodge, Cliff House, Merry-Go-Round Pavilion, Stand 10, and the forthcoming Nineteen Fifteen Cafe and Vintage Restaurant at the historic Bear Mountain Inn.

Originally from Bellmore, NY, Chef Matarazzo is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.  He continued his education at the Greenbrier Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, WV, where he completed the Greenbrier Culinary Apprenticeship program.  In 2006, Chef Matarazzo was named the captain of The United States Regional Culinary Olympic Team, representing the U.S. in International competition.  In 2008, at the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany, he and his team became the first U.S. regional team to win the world championship.  Chef Matarazzo has earned a total of 17 medals in National and International competitions including eight gold medals.  Chef Matarazzo was recently nominated by the American Culinary Federation to compete for the title of USA's Chef of The Year for 2010.  

"Through the utilization of fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients, my goal is to deliver the highest level of quality and service to the guests of Bear Mountain, and provide a truly unforgettable dining experience throughout the property," says Chef Michael Matarazzo.

Chef Matarazzo will redesign the catering menus to include a "Sweet Arctic Sensations" Action Station. This station will include a selection of sweet treats transformed into unique frozen desserts, beneath a mystical fog of liquid nitrogen.  "Our guests are always looking for new and cutting edge additions for their events, and we are excited to offer them innovative delicacies such as Popcorn Gelato, Frozen 'Cream Puffs' and 'Nitro' Creamsicles," says General Manager Michael Morris. New entrees will also be added. A new Champagne Sunday Brunch will be introduced at the Overlook Lodge.

Bear Mountain Complex, managed by Guest Services, Inc., offers a recently renovated Overlook Lodge and 4 Stone Cottages, and over 5,000 sq ft of event space. The historic Bear Mountain Inn is currently undergoing extensive renovations to bring it back to its original splendor. At the completion of the renovations, the Inn will offer 15 luxury suites, spa, Vintage Restaurant, over 20,000 square feet of meeting and catering space, Nineteen Fifteen Cafe, and Bear Mountain Trading Company.

For more information about Bear Mountain Inn explore www.visitbearmountain.com or call  (845)786-2731.

SOURCE Bear Mountain Inn