Commander in Chef: Marc Quiñones named “Chef of the Year”
Marc Quiñones, executive chef of Hotel Andaluz, was named New Mexico Restaurant Association’s “Chef of The Year” at the 2017 Hospitality Industry Awards on Monday night at Sandia Resort and Casino.
Hundreds of nominees and supporters gathered to celebrate and recognize the individuals and businesses that make up the hospitality industry in New Mexico. The coveted “chef of the year” award was established to recognize an exemplary chef in the state. According to the New Mexico Restaurant Association website, the recipient of this award must demonstrate leadership, creativity and culinary excellence in addition to demonstrating outstanding guest service and mentorship inside and out of the kitchen.
“I am just so completely humbled by all of this,” Quiñones said. “To be recognized as Chef of the year for the entire great state of New Mexico is something that I dreamed of and for it to come to fruition means everything to me. I believe whole heartedly that the land of enchantment can compete with anyone on the planet when it comes to the culinary arts and I take great pride in being an ambassador for all that we have to offer. The children are the future and making their development a priority is of the utmost importance and something I am extremely passionate about. Community is what it's all about and together we are stronger than ever!”
Quiñones, who is no stranger to the spotlight, has been in the culinary scene for over 15 years and was named executive chef of Hotel Andaluz earlier this year. Since his reign, Quiñones has rolled out several new menus for the Spanish themed restaurant located within the hotel, MÁS Tapas y Vino. Quiñones shared the experience of the award show with his thousands of followers on social media, all of whom were also showing their support on various social media platforms. Earlier this year, the Albuquerque Chef took third place in The Great American Seafood Cook-Off, representing New Mexico in the national cooking competition.
Hotel Andaluz is Albuquerque’s premiere LEED Gold boutique hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, Andaluz offers luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining at MAS Tapas y Vino and the Ibiza Urban Rooftop Lounge, and is a cultural epicenter for the city.