Michelle Francis Appointed Executive Chef At Caf� Rodeo At Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive

Luxe Hotel, Rodeo Drive, the only hotel on the most glamorous shopping block in the world, announces the appointment of Angeleno Michelle Francis as executive chef for the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, the intimate Caf� Rodeo. Francis is also responsible for the complete culinary operation of the Luxe Hotel, Rodeo Drive, including menu development for private events, banquets, group events and in-room dining.

As executive chef, Michelle Francis brings her distinctive California Mediterranean cuisine with a healthy twist to this Beverly Hills landmark urban oasis. Her ability to find the freshest foods from the market translates into an engaging menu with such signature dishes as white fish picatta with roasted shallots and capers on a bed of cous cous, grilled seafood salad, and housemade lobster ravoli with garlic sage sauce.

In addition to Caf� Rodeo's new breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, Chef Francis has fashioned a new bar bite menu for the popular 360 Happy Hour which include light, healthy interpretations of Guacamole with Salsa and Chips, Spicy Tuna Tartare and Shrimp Cocktail on a Stick.

"We are delighted to welcome Chef Michelle Francis to the Luxe Hotel, Rodeo Drive," said Sherwin Banda, Hotel Manager. "Her inventive menus will offer guests a chic and sophisticated dining experience, highlighting regional fresh cuisine."

A proponent of the locavore movement, Chef Francis is reconstructing the existing menu to bring an emphasis on fresh, sustainably caught fish, bold flavors and an adroit use of grains. Michelle sources small eco-friendly and organic farmers for chicken, meat, baked goods and produce at her weekly trips to the farmers market.

"I am passionate about creating delicious, healthful food", says Chef Francis. "With the quality and variety of locally grown food available to us in Los Angeles, and the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive as the ideal backdrop, I can showcase its natural goodness without compromising my commitment to exciting Cal Med flavors and elegant presentations."

Prior to joining the Luxe Hotel, Rodeo Drive, Michelle served for eight years as executive chef at Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas. During that tenure, Michelle was also a key figure in Mozzarella Mondays at Jar, with longtime collaborator Nancy Silverton, whom she met while working for her and Mark Peel at Campanile.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has studied at the American College in Paris, and Parsons School of Art & Design. She further enhanced and refined her gastronomic prowess with extensive French culinary experience.

About the Luxe
Fashion, art, comfort, elegance and luxury meet at The Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive, the only hotel on the most glamorous shopping block in the world. Each of the 88 guest rooms, including penthouse suites with private balconies were designed by famed interior designer Vicente Wolf, who created the hotel's coolly elegant spaces characterized by dark woods, brushed metals, oversized mirrors and lush linens. The serene and chic minimalist designed guestrooms face directly into Beverly Hill's most famed design houses, world-class art galleries and jewelers. The Hotel's Caf� Rodeo offers the only outdoor dining experience on Rodeo Drive and the popular Bar 360 boasts an enticing bar selection. The hotel provides a superior level of personalized service and comfort plus all the amenities and services of a world-class property amid the opulent and breathtaking city. Guests at Caf� Rodeo and Bar 360 enjoy two hours of complimentary valet parking with validation. Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills is the flagship property for Luxe Worldwide Hotels, a premier representation company of independently owned and operated hotels situated in prominent international locales.