In his new role, Alessandro will oversee all culinary operations at the hotel’s signature restaurant, six.one.six, Mixology Lounge and the jdek Ð the hotel’s waterfront patio and bar.
Classically trained in French cuisine and a native of Italy, Alessandro’s cooking and management style is heavily influenced by his European roots and global culinary experience ranging from restauranteur to culinary instructor. Alessandro began his career as an instructor of fine dining in Southern California before moving to the East Coast to pursue an executive sous chef position in North Carolina. Upon his return to California, Alessandro opened an Italian eatery and caf, bringing the menu concepts and interior layouts from ideation to reality. Alessandro will assist in bringing new menu concepts to the hotel’s restaurant inspired by his experience with French cuisine.ÊÊ
ÒChef Alessandro’s background rooted in French cuisine and culinary education will elevate six.one.six’s food and beverage offerings to the forefront of Grand Rapids’ dining scene,” said Brian Behler, general manager, JW Marriott Grand Rapids. ÒHis expertise will be integral in elevating seasonal menus and new concepts.ÓÊ
Most recently, Alessandro served as executive chef at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining in Grand Rapids and held executive chef and chef de cuisine roles in in Italy and California. A graduate ofÊSanta Barbara City College and the Culinary Academy Marco Polo in Genoa, Italy, Alessandro received degreesÊin restaurant, hotel and culinary management.ÊÊÊ
