America has spoken – more than a quarter of a million times. And with all the votes tallied, three new and delicious on-trend items are being added to the tantalising dining menu this fall at Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton’s award-winning, global, upscale brand of hotels.
Earlier this summer, consumers were asked to vote on 11 contenders in the “Sophisticated Bites” contest in the categories of small plates, handcrafted cocktails and sweet treats. The winning fan favorites are:
- Sticky Finger Ribs – Bib alert! These low and slow baby back ribs, with whiskey-soy barbecue sauce, crispy onion and scallions, are a lip-smacking delight. (Small Plates category)
- Cherry Blossom – An homage to the craft cocktail movement, it’s a tempting blend of Hornitos Reposado Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and grenadine. (Handcrafted Cocktails category)
- Mason Jar Chocolate Fudge Cake – Taking a “cheat” day? Give your spoon-arm a workout by digging into layers of decadent chocolate cake and rich chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. (Sweet Treats category)
Award-winning actor, director and Hilton Garden Inn spokesperson Judy Greer, along with celebrity chef Dan Churchill, host of Genius Kitchen’s “Feast with Friends,” revealed the food and beverage winners at a menu tasting event last night at Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown.
“The voters made three outstanding menu choices that reflect the culinary trends and options that are important to today’s modern traveler,” said Chef Churchill, who helped launch the campaign in June during Summer Squad Live, a Food Network Facebook Live event that has garnered more than 5.6 million views and 5,000 shares to date. “I know guests will find the new menu items to be delightful additions to the brand’s eclectic menu, which continues to resonate with consumers.”
Added Greer: “My taste buds are on high alert every time I enter a Hilton Garden Inn, and these trendy new menu items are a dream for a foodie like me! I travel all the time, and I really appreciate that Hilton Garden Inn gives its guests the simple things it needs to unwind – superb hospitality and deliciously amazing food.”
The online Sophisticated Bites contest was part of an ongoing evolution of the Hilton Garden Inn menu, an extension of its 2017 global brand refresh focusing on dining updates, new regional hotel prototypes and brand culture enhancements.
Other key food and beverage additions include Welcome Bites, a delicious, bite-sized, cranberry apple oatmeal cookie offered to guests at check-in in the U.S. and Canada; a new, open-display kitchen for signature cooked-to-order breakfast dishes; and a more social setting for restaurant and bar service. The latter includes a comprehensive array of handcrafted cocktails complemented by small plates, dinner entrees and shareable desserts – all of which are freshly prepared.
“The overwhelming response to our Sophisticated Bites program shows that consumers want convenient and flavorful options, especially when traveling,” said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. “As a longtime food and beverage trend-setter in the upscale hotel category, we are at the forefront of a culinary renaissance in the hospitality industry, and we can’t wait to bring these three new items to our guests around the country.”
Hilton Garden Inn offers upscale, light and airy hotels featuring modern guest rooms perfect for work and comfort. Guests may unwind in a relaxing social setting, enjoying handcrafted cocktails; varietal wines and craft beers*; small plates; dinner entrees and shareable desserts. The Shop, a 24-hour, grab-and-go retail space, provides a mix of healthy, indulgent and locally-sourced fresh foods.
