Chad McDonald was recently appointed to executive chef at The Westin Phoenix Downtown bringing many years of culinary experience, inspiration and passion to his new role. McDonald’s vision for the future includes a restaurant where dinner guests and banquet attendees alike will be able to enjoy exceptional cuisine and premium service.
McDonald joined The Westin Phoenix Downtown staff less than two years ago as the banquet sous chef and has spent his time with the restaurant focusing his attention on the culinary aspects of the hotel’s catered and social functions. In his new role, he plans to introduce more farm-to-table concepts into each menu that showcase local ingredients.
“As executive chef at The Westin Phoenix Downtown, I look forward to inspiring our team, teaching our cooks how to handle the many products, giving the cooks opportunities to be their very best, and creating an appreciation for the simplicity of a great dish,” said McDonald. “Growing up on a farm, we raised our own produce and animals, so I have a great understanding of what it takes to put your heart and soul into something.”
Some of McDonald’s other responsibilities will include overseeing daily operations, staff recruitment and training for the kitchen at the hotel and the Latin-inspired restaurant at the hotel, Province. He will also have the opportunity to create menus and recipes for all featured dishes as well as uphold excellent restaurant standards.
“We are pleased Chef McDonald has accepted the challenge as executive chef for The Westin Phoenix Downtown,” said Todd Iacono, general manager. “With his proven dedication and determination to lead and inspire others, and his passion for the culinary and hospitality industries, we are confident Chad will shine in his role.”
McDonald knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef and first worked in a mom and pop meat market is his small hometown. He attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin and then moved on to work at Prasino in Chicago; La Grange, III; Wyndham Drake Hotel in Illinois and 1886 Café in the Driskill Hotel in Austin.
