PORTLAND, Maine - - (September 16, 2015) - - Bruce Wennerstrom, general manager of the Westin Portland Harborview, a Rockbridge portfolio hotel, today announced the appointment of Brian Andersen as executive chef.  Most recently the executive chef at the luxury, four-star W Hotel in Boston, Andersen also served as the chef de cuisine of the Westin Boston Waterfront and is a graduate of Johnson & Wales prestigious College of Culinary Arts.

            "Westin Portland Harborview's legacy as the social center of Portland requires a substantial commitment to creative, top quality cuisine in both our restaurants and our meeting and banquet offerings,” said Wennerstrom.  "Brian not only understands the complexities of operating multiple high-volume venues, but he has a New Englander's passion for the rich and diverse abundance at our shores and on our local farms.  His dishes are familiar and creative at the same time.  I know our guests will love his new menus.”

            “Portland is known as a city that takes its food seriously,” said Andersen.  “That presents a challenge for hotel chefs who need to keep pace with the local scene and still satisfy the broad and diverse tastes of the travelling public.  With our new menu, I think we've struck the right balance of creative and comfortable.”

            Guests will enjoy a variety of options including the restaurant's signature cioppino that combines the best of Portland's catch and, in a nod to Maine's hunting heritage, pistachio-crusted grilled venison.  Even a simple chicken dish gets a dash of panache when served with smoked tomato coulis.

            Honoring the hotel's rich history in Portland and supporting local business, growers and purveyors are at the heart of Andersen's offerings.  Guests can enjoy 11 local beer and three hard ciders at Top of the East, the hotel's rooftop bar, or in C2 (Congress Squared) where daily happy hour specials include half price appetizers from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Locally sourced Fishbowl Farms produce and Maplebrook farm cheeses feature prominently on Andersen's menus.

Located in the heart of Portland's arts district at 157 High Street, the 289-room and suite Westin Portland Harborview is the result of an 18-month, $50 million renovation that transformed a beloved, 1920s era grand dame into the city's most elegant hotel.  The Westin Portland Harborview is within easy walking distance of the city's best dining, shopping and art galleries, as well as the Old Port District. Recently ranked the “fifth hippest city in the U.S.” by Travel & Leisure magazine readers and the “#1 Foodiest Small Town” by Bon Appetit, Portland is celebrated for its live music scene, fine dining, independent boutiques and eco-friendly lifestyle.

            For additional information, please go to www.westinportlandharborview.com.  Reservations at C2 are available through OpenTable.

About New Castle Hotels & Resorts

Westin Portland Harborview is operated by Shelton Ct. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer with 22 hotels and resorts and nearly 4,000 rooms under contract or in development.  New Castle's growing portfolio of hotels spans 10 states and three Canadian provinces and includes several of Canada's historic landmark resorts.  The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top hotel management and development companies in North America.  New Castle is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton and Starwood families. For additional information, please go to www.newcastlehotels.com.

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