Michael Simon Joins theWit Hotel Chicago as Beverage Director

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. January 19, 2016

CHICAGO, IL. January 19, 2016 - Michael Simon has been named Beverage Director for theWit, a AAA Four Diamond Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago, according to Ryan Kingston, General Manager of theWit Hotel Chicago. In his new role, Simon will oversee the beverage program at theWit including State and Lake Chicago Tavern and ROOF.

His initial focus is creating custom cocktails and a sophisticated beverage program for the luxury hotel, but with an unpretentious presentation that is in line with the property's tagline “More Experience Than Hotel”. In addition to reinvigorating the libations, Simon also plans to bring in more Chicago-based spirits and craft beer distilleries.

Drawing on 12 years of experience, Simon has made a study out of pairing and manipulating flavors and tasting menus to deliver an irresistible combination of food, drink, and aesthetic that attracts a loyal customer base. A bonafide Midwestern guy, Simon was born in Chicago and spent his teenage years in Milwaukee, WI. Originally a screenwriting major at Columbia College in Chicago, Simon worked as a bartender where he developed his passion for the culinary arts. He couldn't shake the energy of a restaurant environment and decided to dedicate himself to being a pioneer in the growing cocktail scene in Chicago.

In 2009, he joined Graham Elliot in Chicago as General Manager and Beverage Director where he introduced beverage pairings for tasting menus that included a medley of wine, manipulated spirits and beer. His innovative approach to the beverage program helped earn Graham Elliot a Michelin Star. At a time when the national proliferation of the bar scene was growing at an exponential rate, Simon also led the beverage program at Acadia, another Michelin Star restaurant, and opened The Bedford and Carriage House. In 2013, Simon relocated to Austin, Texas to work along Chef Paul Qui, a James Beard Award Winner and winner of Top Chef Season 9, at QUI.

Simon moved back to Chicago in 2014 to join Charcoal Bar, an 11-seat Japanese Speakeasy, and has since held positions at Celeste as Beverage Director and the Blanchard as Creative Consultant.

Simon earned the distinction of sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2010. When not behind the bar and curating custom cocktail programs, you can find Simon at Crossfit or listening to the Tim Ferriss Podcast. He resides in Ukrainian Village in Chicago with his girlfriend and three cats.

About theWit Hotel

Housed in the epicenter of Chicago's Loop and theater business districts, the stately AAA Four Diamond theWit Hotel (201 N. State Street) is favored by trendy Chicagoans and tourists alike. Recognized for its luxurious accommodations, stunning architectural design and award-winning dining and drinking spots, theWit Hotel—a Doubletree by Hilton - is considered a jewel of the Windy City. Guests visiting theWit are given several options to dine including State and Lake Chicago Tavern and ROOF. More details can be found at www.thewithotel.com or by calling 312.467.0200.

About ROOF on theWit

Perched 27 stories above the hum of the Loop sidewalks, the nightlife experience at the 7,000-square-foot lounge ROOF can be defined in a word: View. The scene from the deck and out the windows of ROOF is spectacular; gaze in one direction to see the Bean at Millennium Park, another way to see a slice of the Chicago River, and any which way to take in the up-close details of architectural icons standing sentry in every direction. Long communal tables lined with bar stools, a large projection screen on an outdoor wall, and a high-quality telescope for sneaking peeks into surrounding buildings are all part of the sensual, sensory experience at ROOF. A menu crafted of small plates is executed from ROOF's own full-service kitchen, with a wood burning oven in the main bar area. Hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am, Sat: 2pm - 3am, Sun: closed. To join theWit mailing list to keep up-to-date of upcoming events or for additional information and reservations, please visit www.roofonthewit.com or call 312.239.9501.