"All Things Culinary" Design Concept Inspires a Multi-Million Dollar Renovation at The Essex-Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa
Restaurants, Cook Academy, Leading Chefs, Local Ingredients Inspire a Nostalgic, Warm, Whimsical Design
THE WOODLANDS, TX. May 25, 2017 - Eurowest Inns, Inc., owners of The Essex - Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa, have announced a multi-million dollar renovation program that will bring new levels of comfort, innovation and culinary inspiration to the landmark property. The design concept, “All Things Culinary”, is inspired by The Essex's noted Cook Academy and its critically acclaimed restaurant, Junction, where a team of professional chefs bring the best of Vermont's bounty to the tables of the resort. Robert Botjer, Chairman of Eurowest Inns, Inc., made the announcement.
“The Essex has deep roots in the culinary scene since opening,” said Mr. Botjer. “With our renovation, we deliver our theme throughout the heart and soul of the property, including guestrooms.” Nic Barger, general manager, stated, “We are excited to bring this long-planned renovation to life and look forward to unveiling the 'new' Essex Resort this summer.”
The Essex, which is located minutes from downtown Burlington in the foothills of Vermont's legendary Green Mountains, is part of the Gemstone Collection of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, which operates the resort on behalf of ownership.
Country Warmth, A Culinary Vibe Slated for completion later this summer, the new design concept by the Vermont firm of Christine Burdick Design reinforces the overall culinary experience of the resort. Entering the newly renovated lobby, guests will be greeted by the whimsical pastry shop-inspired reception desk, artfully displayed cakes and hand-made pastries. The lobby's hub will be the Coffee Lounge, serving beverages, breakfast pastries and afternoon cookies. This Internet-style-cafe lounge is sure to become the spot for checking email, perusing a newspaper or waiting to check-in.
The nostalgic Vermont Farmhouse Kitchen will be the place for private dining, cooking classes and other culinary events. When not in use, the space will serve as display for cakes and exclusive merchandise from The Essex.
A comfortable rocking chair, roaring fire and shelves crammed with cookbooks will make the new Culinary Library a foodie haven. This cozy room can double as part of the pre-function space for weddings, providing a convenient and private place for bridal parties to assemble before entering the resort's striking atrium.
Rooms with a Culinary Point of View The Essex's guest rooms will reflect three distinctive culinary concepts, bringing variety to each space and a unique experience to each guest. The Art of Baking theme will feature flour colored walls that provide a fresh backdrop for wicker basket-style flooring, tea towel-inspired throws on beds and butcher block side tables. Playful artwork will reinforce the overall aesthetic. Harvest Fresh will feature subtle shades that invoke green herbs, luscious ripe vegetables and stone ground wheat. Earthy textures, organic elements and artwork inspired by the resort's lavish herb and vegetable gardens will be displayed against natural colored walls and flooring. Spice Rack will recall lush shades of Paprika, ground Cumin and onion powder. Soft upholstery, warm blankets and deliciously unexpected elements including art in guest rooms will have a corresponding recipe. All guest rooms will provide a unique retro mini-fridge and artwork/ sculptures handcrafted in Vermont.
Inspiring Cuisine
Eat, Learn, Savor is the mantra of The Essex - a Culinary Resort & Spa. Its two restaurants, Junction and The Tavern, feature imaginative menus prepared by top chefs, using fresh ingredients from the resort's own gardens, locally sourced meats, poultry and fish, artisanal Vermont cheeses and maple syrup. An award-winning wine list and a large selection of microbrews, provide the perfect accompaniment. The resort's signature restaurant, Junction, offers an open kitchen where guests can watch professional chefs create innovative tasting menus and entrees to order.
The Cook Academy provides a variety of fun, hands-on classes for every level of skill. Classes span the foods of France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Latin America and Louisiana as well as cooking with Vermont ingredients including craft beers and maple syrup. Tours of local farms and vineyards are an exciting aspect of the Cook Academy's curriculum.
The Inn at Essex, the resort's original building, was built in 1989. In 1999 an additional building, The Manor, was added, containing 30 extended-stay units. The spa and a fitness center and swimming pool were added in 2009.
About The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa.
Set on 18 acres in the scenic Lake Champlain Valley in the foothills of the Green Mountains, The Essex - a Culinary Resort & Spa is easily reached via Interstate 89. The resort is just minutes from Burlington International Airport, and the town of Essex is served by Amtrak's Vermonter train. The Essex is surrounded by all the attractions of Vermont from skiing, boating and hiking to shopping and antiquing. Guests can enjoy the resort's full-service spa, fitness center, 18-hole golf course, clay tennis courts, Cook Academy, two restaurants, hiking and biking trails and special services for pets. The Essex also arranges guided family activities, Vermont tours, hot air ballooning and unforgettable team building activities in the Cook Academy. www.essexresortspa.com
About Eurowest Inns, Inc.
Eurowest Inns Inc., was formed in 1993 for the purpose of acquiring The Inn at Essex, leading to its development as Vermont's culinary resort and spa. The company remains dedicated to ensuring the property, which today is known as The Essex - a Culinary Resort & Spa, is a leading force in Vermont's culinary and hospitality scene.
About Gemstone Collection
The Gemstone Collection includes distinctive hand-picked properties in spectacular and popular U.S. destinations coast to coast. Each upscale resort and hotel destination provides highly-personalized service and luxury reflective of the charm and unique character of the destination, while in keeping with the collection's shared mission and passion for excellence. A distinguished portfolio of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, which has been a leading US-based hospitality management company for nearly 40 years, the Gemstone Collection is the preferred choice of guests who yearn for inspiring and transformative experiences, customization over conformity, stimulation over predictability, and adventure over routine. www.gemstonehotelcollection.com To become a fan on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/GemstoneHotelCollection, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GemstoneHotels, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/gemstonehotels, and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/benchmarkhotels/gemstone-hotels
Contact:
Ken Ellens
[email protected]
201-758-2864
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