Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa has announced the hiring of Michael Poompan as its new Executive Chef.
With a passion for good food and great company, Poompan brings his experience and award-winning talents to the San Diego resort, overseeing food operations in the restaurant and pool bar, as well as the hotel’s internal and external catering. In addition to satisfying travelers’ appetites, Poompan hopes his fresh fare will strike a connection with those in the community.
“I’ve always found food to be a great way to bring people together,” said Poompan. “By combing our creative dishes with our attentive service, we hope to establish the perfect atmosphere for locals and travelers to mix and mingle on a regular basis.”
First joining the Marriott team as a culinary intern at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Poompan learned the ins and outs of the respected industry, quickly moving up the ranks at different hotels as his love for working with fresh foods from California’s local farmers, ranchers and food artisans grew.
While a fresh face at the Coronado hotel, Poompan is not new to the title, having served as executive chef at Tracht’s Restaurant at Renaissance Long Beach Hotel.
In addition to rave reviews from diners at all of the eateries he’s worked at, Poompan has been recognized as Renaissance Hotels Chef of the Year for the Americas and received Marriott’s Award of Culinary Excellence in 2011. He has also been honored as Leader of the Quarter and was commended by Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster.
Outside of the kitchen, Poompan is passionate about giving back to the community. He was invited to Washington D.C. for a kickoff event with Michelle Obama for the Chefs Move to Schools program, and has served on the Board of Directors for the La Habra Children’s Museum and the Red Shoe Society for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.
Foodies craving fresh fare can get a taste of Poompan’s talents at Current, the hotel’s Coronado Island restaurant known for serving savory cuisine in a breathtaking setting. Guests can dine alfresco on the patio for breakfast, lunch and dinner as they take in panoramic views of San Diego Bay while soaking up California’s sunshine and pleasing weather year round. When it comes to indulging, diners can make their selection from innovative menu items featuring farm-to-table favourites.
