El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa Names Ray Naranjo Executive Chef
TAOS, NM - July 22, 2013 - El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa - a member of The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of 10 artistically inspired boutique hotels, is proud to welcome Chef Ray Naranjo as executive chef to the award-winning De La Tierra restaurant. In keeping with El Monte Sagrado's philosophy, dining at the resort is an expression of harmony with nature. With a creative menu of global and local influences, complimented by a passion for western culture and life, Chef Ray Naranjo will serve locally inspired dishes with worldwide flare, while creating a culinary experience that delights the senses.
“El Monte Sagrado and the entire Kessler Collection are thrilled to have such a talented chef lead the team to culinary excellence. We can't wait to share his passion and creativity with our guests,” states El Monte Sagrado general manager, Ron Gratzinger. “With the new introduction of Chef Ray Naranjo, guests of the restaurant are in for a delicious and unforgettable experience as they sip, sample and savor his distinct flair.”
Chef Ray Naranjo brings extensive culinary experience and knowledge to De La Tierra with more than 11 years in the culinary field and hospitality industry. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, AZ, Naranjo became executive chef of a tribal casino resort in northern New Mexico at the age of 23. The culinary expert went on to join The Kessler Collection as sous chef at El Monte Sagrado Resort in February 2013 before climbing the ranks to executive chef. Swayed by the ingredients of his ancestors, Native American Chef Ray Naranjo is acclaimed for his whimsical interpretation of global dishes including his twist of modern style with indigenous southwest flavors and French influences.
One of Taos' most highly acclaimed culinary destinations, De La Tierra restaurant offers delectably inventive cuisine amidst an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed. De La Tierra provides guests with a comprehensive wellness experience featuring locally inspired dishes including elk tenderloin, seared whole rainbow trout and cashew crusted salmon sriracha, along with refreshing signature cocktails like the prickly pear margarita.
Woven into the cultural flavor of Taos, New Mexico, The Kessler Collection's El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa offers a secluded sanctuary in harmony with the Earth. Surrounded by towering mountains and rustic desert, guests are inspired and enthralled by the nurturing ambiance and mystique of the resort, with sunlit fish-filled streams, tropical flora and the sounds of calming waterfalls. From the exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global cultures to the dramatic Kessler family art collection from world-renowned and local artisans, El Monte Sagrado lures guests into a world of serenity promoting wellness, relaxation and life enrichment.
For more information or to book a stay at El Monte Sagrado, please visit www.elmontesagrado.com or call (575) 758.3502 or toll-free (888) 213.4419.
About The Kessler Collection
Capturing the classical and unconventional spirit of Bohemian cultures, The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boast chic design, luxe accommodations, enriching ambiance and intimate service. Whether visiting properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado or New Mexico, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences, personally acquired for that hotel by the Kessler family, are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are bathed in re-defined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel, a cutting edge downtown landmark and a magical castle, to an earthy Native American retreat, high design southern mansion and elite ski lodge.
The Kessler Collection proudly holds eight hotels as the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, a well-edited ensemble of boldly original independent hotels, each carefully selected for its distinctiveness, style and synchronicity with individual travel interests.
For more information about The Kessler Collection and its properties, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
