New Restaurants Mark Renewed Energy and Direction at Gaylord Opryland
Interactive Chef-Stations Offer Fresh, Fun Flavors
Nashville, Tenn.—( October 4, 2007 ) Hungry visitors at Gaylord Opryland® Resort and Convention Center now have creative new restaurants from which to choose, as the first phase of a $45 million food and beverage evolution is open for business. Three new restaurants are now located in the Delta Island section of the landmark hotel, which is in the Delta Atrium, just steps away from the convention center."With an increase in dining options guests can experience more of the award-winning talents of the resort's culinary team," said Arthur Keith, senior vice president and general manager, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. "Unforgettable tastes, entertainment and fine service are expected here, but now we are going to surpass even those expectations." Keith went on to say that the new restaurants on Delta Island will raise the ante in the resort quick-serve business, replacing the food court concept with interactive chef experiences. "We're truly excited about showcasing Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet, Paisano'sand Stax," Keith explained.
Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet serves three meals daily and features enticing global flavors from a variety of chef action-stations in a colorful marketplace style setting with bright umbrellas, gazing globes, urn fountains and tile tabletops. The menu changes daily, and with each meal. Breakfast can range from freshly baked breads, organic fruits, European cheeses and meats, quiche puffs and individually made omelets and waffles, to prepared-by-the-glass carrot or beet juice full of antioxidants for detoxing diets, for those with a healthier mindset. At lunch diners may choose from a variety of creative salads, sliders, meat and seafood options, as well as flatbreads and a wide variety of desserts. And at dinner, artisan breads, salads, and a wide array of international selections ranging from French, Mexican, Thai and other global regions are presented. The elaborate list of desserts also always includes a sugar-free option
The wine list is extensive and amusing and the experience includes European influences in a style that deconstructs the traditional buffet atmosphere. It is all done carefully, by design, according to Duccio Orlandini, the Executive Chef directing the culinary operations at Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet. "In a restaurant that seats more than 300 and serves three meals a day with as many at 1,000 people passing through each day, my challenge is to provide extraordinary cuisine that is virtually ever-present," explains Chef Orlandini.
Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet is conveniently located amongst the olive trees and along the indoor Delta River, where the garden vista is noteworthy from any angle.
Guests at the resort pick the layers of taste to be stacked on top of juicy, one-of-a-kind burgers and chicken sandwiches at Stax. It's a stylish new, fun and friendly atmosphere for families, or folks looking for a casual but tasty dining hot spot after meetings.
And Paisano's inspires diners to close their eyes, take a bite, and take off for a quick trip to Tuscany. When they open their eyes, they'll remember that they are really savoring the best pizza outside Italy, the Big Apple, or Chicago, right inside Gaylord Opryland. Fresh, tangy Tuscan-style pizza, Fettuccini Alfredo or crisp salads are among the options at this new Italian eatery.
"With Water's Edge Marketplace Buffet, Stax and Paisano's now serving fabulous, but fast meals, we have quick-serve dining options that are more upscale and enticing. They include delicious, interesting, and well-prepared food in fun and beautiful settings, just as people would expect at Gaylord Opryland Resort," stated Wolfgang Ebenbichler, vice president of food and beverage, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
The three new restaurants are only the beginning of the enhancements underway at the resort. A second renovation phase will include the addition of a cutting-edge Las Vegas style nightclub. In addition, Gaylord Opryland guestrooms are receiving a makeover as well. By the end of 2007, all 2,881 guestrooms will have received a face-lift with a contemporary, elegant style for a total investment of more than $130 million.
ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND NASHVILLE
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center – the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the continental United States – is known for providing superior products and services to the meetings and convention industry. Winner of numerous prestigious awards including the coveted Gold Key Elite Award in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Gold Platter Elite in 2004, 2005 and 2006, Gaylord Opryland Nashville is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordentertainment.com or www.gaylordopryland.com.
Media Relations Contacts:
Kim Keelor, (615) 458-2877, kkeelor@gaylordhotels.com
Jeffrey Zimmer, (615) 458-2873, jzimmer@gaylordhotels.com