Jean-Paul Peluffo Named Exec Chef & F&B Director for Stonepine Estate

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. June 09, 2011

CARMEL VALLEY, CA - June 8, 2011 - Stonepine Estate Resort, one the country's premiere historic properties, is pleased to announce the addition of the esteemed Jean-Paul Peluffo to the staff as Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director. With his new role, Chef Peluffo will bring his French training and vast experiences from around the globe to the resort, overseeing the culinary options and relaunching the Stonepine Dining Club. In addition, he will direct Stonepine's signature “Estate Culinary Experience,” a luxurious dining venture personalized for guests of the property.

“In our 20+ year history Stonepine has built a reputation for its high quality service,” says Gordon Hentschel, owner of Stonepine Estate Resort. “From romantic picnics beside the Carmel River, to daily European breakfast with high tea on the loggia, to intimate formal dining in Chateau Noel, feasting at Stonepine has a unique history that will only be elevated with the addition of Chef Jean-Paul. His expansive cultural expertise from destinations near and far including Africa, South America and Europe over the past several decades allow him to create an exceptional gastronomical journey for our guests.”

Following in the footsteps of former managing director, the late Daniel Barduzzi, a fellow Frenchman credited with introducing the French to Carmel Valley, Chef Jean-Paul is eager to continue the standard of excellence set by Barduzzi. Guests who visit Stonepine take part in the Estate Culinary Experience, which includes a plethora of options from welcome receptions in the living room of Chateau Noel with wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres followed by a four-course Estate dinner using fresh ingredients from the property's cutting garden to the weekly Friday cocktail hour with fellow guests and nearby residents at the Blacksmith Bar within the Stonepine Equestrian Center.

A native of France, Chef Peluffo was practically “born” in the kitchen. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he began his culinary career at the age of five making pastries in his family's restaurant in Nice, the vegetarian Zuccha Magica. After completing his culinary training at the esteemed Lycee Hotelier de Nice with a triple major in Gastronomical Cuisine, Pastry and Chocolatier and graduating at the top of his class, Chef Peluffo began his quest to work at and, ultimately, created his own restaurants around the world. In 1983, Jean-Paul opened his first restaurant, Le Petite Nice, in Guinea, West Africa with the second location opening at Ivory Coast in 1985.

Chef Peluffo's next adventure took him to the renowned Four Diamond Las Hadas Resort in Manzanillo, Mexico, as its Corporate Executive Chef. He returned to France to further his education at the University of Sophia-Antipolis where he earned his P.H.D. in Sales and Marketing. With his new degree, he was named Corporate Executive Chef of Brasserie Flo based in Paris and later joined Celebrity Cruise Line as Executive Chef. He then joined Festival Cruises as the Culinary Director, lending his expertise to introduce their new vessels.

In 2000, Chef Peluffo was asked to be the Executive Chef for the G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy. He was tasked with designing, overseeing and preparing the meals for all the heads of state attending the Summit, including George W. Bush, Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, Vladimir Putin, Silvio Berlusconi, the Japanese and Canadian Prime Ministers and the German Chancellor.

Following his adventures across Europe, Africa, and South America, Chef Peluffo ventured to the U.S. with his wife Kathleen and opened Le Bistro in Northern California, which was voted the most romantic restaurant in the Bay Area by the East Bay Express. Using fresh, organic, local ingredients prepared “a la minute,” the popular restaurant's biggest hit included Chef Peluffo's homemade pastries and the delicious French Macarons, which will now be prominently featured at Stonepine Estate Resort.

“Stonepine is the place of dreams,” states Chef Peluffo. “For years the resort has hosted society's elite, Hollywood and political icons. I am beyond thrilled to join the magic that is Stonepine Estate Resort and bring more of my experiences throughout the world to California. One thing is for sure, once you experience our exquisite gem on the Central Coast which evokes visions of my native France, you will be sure to come back.”

About Stonepine Estate Resort:
Stonepine Estate Resort is located on 330 secluded acres of gently rolling oak-studded hills just east of picturesque Carmel Valley Village on the Monterey Peninsula. Built in 1929 by Henry Potter Russell and Helen Crocker-Russell, of the San Francisco banking family, Stonepine was purchased by travel industry entrepreneurs Gordon and Noel Hentschel in 1983. The resort features 20 rooms/suites available in their five freestanding properties; eight suites in Chateau Noel, an exquisite Mediterranean villa , two bedrooms in Hermes House, four bedrooms in the Gate House, two bedrooms in the Briar Rose Cottage and four bedrooms in Paddock House. Internationally known for its fine service and European elegance, Stonepine is also home to the oldest operating thoroughbred ranch west of the Mississippi and a world-renowned Equestrian Center. For additional information about Stonepine Estate Resort, please call (831) 659-2245 or visit www.stonepinecarmel.com.