BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – August 25, 2015 – The Townsend Hotel, a AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star and Travel + Leisure 500-rated luxury property known for its exceptional service and amenities, today announced the addition of Damian Yopek to its team in the role of Rugby Grille chef de cuisine. The Rugby Grille is the luxury property’s award-winning fine-dining restaurant. The announcement was made by Steven Kalczynski, The Townsend’s managing director.
As chef de cuisine, Yopek will be responsible for working closely with The Townsend Hotel’s executive chef on the Rugby Grille’s menu concepts and development, as well as ensuring consistent quality in the daily preparation of all menu items. The Rugby Grille is the only Forbes Travel Guide “recommended” restaurant in all of Michigan, and also received 2015 honors from Wine Spectator magazine for its outstanding wine selection.
Chef Damian, a native of South Lyon, Mich., joins the Rugby Grille team from his previous role as executive chef with Matchbox Food Group in Washington D.C. Prior to that, he worked as a master cook at Adour Restaurant – part of the famed Alain Ducasse Group – in the St. Regis Hotel, also in Washington D.C. Before that, Chef Damian spent a handful of years collecting valuable experience in kitchens across Texas, Virginia and Hawaii.
“We love having homegrown talent in our kitchen,” said Kalczynski. “Chef Damian, like our Executive Chef Drew Sayes, brings to The Townsend vast culinary experience honed through travels and relocations throughout the country, but add to that the history, knowledge and passion for all things Michigan, and it’s truly a winning combination for us, and more importantly, for our dining guests.”
Chef Damian, who has returned to reside in his hometown of South Lyon, Mich., received his culinary arts education at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. Before discovering his passion and talent for cooking, Yopek also attended Washtenaw Community College and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, specializing in video production.
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About The Townsend Hotel
Opened in 1988, The Townsend Hotel, which celebrated its Silver Anniversary in 2013, is AAA 4-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star luxury property located in downtown Birmingham, Mich. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ LVX Collection, The Townsend, also included among Travel + Leisure 500: The World’s Best Hotels 2015, is known for its exceptional service and amenities, including the Rugby Grille, The Corner bar, Afternoon Tea at The Townsend and a variety of bakery, banquet and catering services. For more information, visit www.townsendhotel.com or contact The Townsend Hotel at 800.548.4172.