Hilton San Diego Bayfront Announces New Hotel Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef and More Additions to the Culinary Team

Chef Brian Lee joins the Hilton Bayfront as the property's new Executive Chef and Josh Peavy as Executive Sous Chef. The property also welcomes a new Executive Pastry Chef, as well as a General Manager, Chef De Cuisine and Executive Sous Chef for the property's coastal waterfront dining concept Hudson & Nash.

SAN DIEGO, Dec.13, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront announced the appointment of six new members of the property's culinary team. Chef Brian Lee joins the team as the Hilton Bayfront's new Executive Chef, overseeing all culinary dining concepts including banquets and catering on the property. The team also welcomes Executive Sous Chef Josh Peavy and Executive Pastry Chef James McCann. Additionally, the Hilton Bayfront hired several new members to the Hudson & Nash team, the property's new waterfront kitchen that opened in May.

Chef Lee brings his deep experience within the culinary and hospitality industries to the Hilton Bayfront by way of New York City. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef for luxury hotel Conrad New York Downtown, overseeing the hotel's food and beverage outlets including Atrio Wine Bar and Restaurant, Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, in-room dining and more. Prior to that, he was a Corporate Executive Chef for Fleet Financial Group. At the Hilton Bayfront, Chef Lee will oversee the property's dining establishments including Hudson & Nash, Odysea Lounge, The Cannery Marketplace, and more.

Chef Lee will be joined by Executive Sous Chef Josh Peavy, who previously served as an Executive Chef for Continental Catering and has more than 25 years of experience across hotels, catering and fine dining. Executive Pastry Chef James McCann joins the team with more than 25 years of pastry experience, having previously worked with notable chefs such as Ken Forkish and Jack Elmer.

"We're thrilled to welcome Chefs Brian, Josh and James to our team," said Steve Cowan, general manager of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. "Chef Lee's luxury hotel experience and the expertise of Chef Josh and James will elevate the standard at which all of our on-property concepts operate. We're looking forward to their combined energy."

The Hilton Bayfront's new waterfront kitchen concept, Hudson & Nash also gains new leadership with Justin Watlington stepping in as General Manager. Prior to joining Hudson & Nash, Watlington acted as General Manager for the Cohn Restaurant Group which owns many notable San Diego restaurants including Coasterra, C Level, Vin De Syrah and more, as well as two concepts on the island of Maui.

Hudson & Nash also welcomes Chef Alexander Huizar as Chef De Cuisine and Chef Lauro Martinez as Executive Sous Chef. Chef Huizar has more than a decade of experience including Michelin Star and 5 Diamond properties and has worked under industry leading chefs like Michael Symon and Thomas Keller. Most recently, Chef Huizar served as Sous Chef at the Wynn Las Vegas and Chef de Partie at The French Laundry. Chef Lauro Martinez has varied culinary experience including instruction at Festen Culinary School in Tijuana and MOLAA Long Beach, and has been with Hilton since 2014. Chef Martinez is a San Diego and Tijuana native, specializing in Mexican and Pre-Hispanic food, combining traditional recipes with modern techniques.

Together, the team will add their signature enhancements to Hudson & Nash's coastal California menu which currently features dishes inspired by various cuisines found along the west coast. The team will retain the menu's theme and spirit, while continuing to elevate offerings for hotel guests and local visitors.

"Justin's significant experience within the San Diego restaurant scene will ensure Hudson & Nash brings a fresh perspective to coastally-inspired dining and service," added Cowan. "That combined with the culinary prowess of Chefs Huizar and Martinez, we're positive Hudson & Nash will become a premiere dining destination in downtown San Diego."

About Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Hilton San Diego Bayfront, a 30-story, 1,190 room hotel, is located on the edge of the bay in downtown San Diego and situated on 12.79 acres of Bayfront land. The hotel boasts 165,000 square feet of meeting and event space, six restaurants, a 4,550 square foot health club and spa, 2,500 square feet of retail space, a 2,400 square foot business center along a waterfront heated saltwater hotel swimming pool and nearly $2 million of commissioned public art. Hilton San Diego Bayfront is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and PETCO Park, located at One Park Boulevard, San Diego, 92101. For additional information, please visit: hiltonsandiegobayfront.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. With nearly 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world's most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at https://hiltonhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at newsroom.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE:HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,900 properties and nearly 1.1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 133 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contact

Tesara Santora, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 619.288.2983, [email protected]

SOURCE Hilton San Diego Bayfront