Landmark Hospitality Announces That Yasir Chaudry Formerly Of Picholine Will Be Ryland Inn General Manager

With humble beginnings as bus boy at The Ryland Inn at the age of 15, Yasir Chaudhry has grown to become an accomplished hospitality professional. Under the tutelage of renowned chefs and sommeliers such as David Burke, Alfred Portale, Craig Shelton, Scott Tyree, and Olivier Dubrese, Yasir has gone on to achieve his own success, being referred to as an "all star" by the New York Times, and contributing to various articles on wine, food, and hospitality. In the early stages of his career, he had such privileges as opening the Park Avenue Cafe in Chicago. While there he met Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, both gifted Chefs and artists, this is where his love of food and wine really started to mature. Upon returning to New York, Yasir seized the opportunity to work with Alfred Portale and Cyril Renaud, eventually returning to the Ryland Inn, where Craig Shelton had given him his first job as a bus boy, to be the Director of Operations. In 2004, Yasir left the Ryland Inn to open Copeland in Morristown for Westin Hotels and Innkeepers Hospitality. Shortly thereafter, Yasir teamed up with Frank and Jeanne Cretella to open Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, NJ. Afterwards joining David Burke to take over Fromagerie in Rumson, as well as expand the David Burke brand to Foxwoods. Most recently, Yasir was responsible for reviving Terrance Brennan's Picholine, earning consideration for the best service in the country by the James Beard Foundation.

In all Landmark venues, the Cretella's aspire for guests to feel like they are walking into a friend's home; warm, hospitable and welcoming while being inspired by the setting and of course their meal. Our mission at the Ryland is to create an environment in which our guests feel extremely pampered in an unpretentious and unassuming setting. Mr. Chaudhry applies the same principles in his management of fine dining establishments. His passion for impeccable service, excellent food, his creativity and experience make him a perfect choice to lead this team and a driving force for the front of the house.

Landmark Hospitality, owners of Liberty House Restaurant, Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Celebrate at Snug Harbor and Crave Caterers is proud to announce that phase 1 construction is nearly complete at the Ryland Inn their newest property, and that Yasir Chaudhry, formerly of Picholine in New York City will be the General Manager of this historic restaurant. The Ryland, which was built in 1796 and served as a former country home and stagecoach stop may best be remembered as one of the region's top restaurants for French cuisine which unfortunately closed in 2007.

Renovations are nearly complete in the Restaurant which includes a cathedral ceiling Chef's Room inside the kitchen, outdoor patios, expanded bar and vaulted ceilings. The Restaurant is scheduled to open in summer 2012 for dinner Tuesday - Sunday as well as Saturday and Sunday brunch. Future phases include a Banquet room complete in 2013 while the final stage incorporates a lodging component as well as a second Banquet Space, Conference Center and hydroponic farm. The restaurant menu will offer a balance of new and often ambitious interpretations of American cuisine, as well as some strong grounded rustic cooking. Products utilized in the Inn's kitchen will reflect the Chef's commitment to fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as his desire to honor the intelligence and sophisticated palates of the Inn's diners. The broad wine list, will pay homage to the legacy of the Inn yet feature many selections under $50 and a solid by the glass program that few rival. Diners will also experience "grown-up" seasonal specialty cocktails built with great craft.