Santa Fe's Inn and Spa at Loretto Announces Executive Chef Marc Quiñones' Spring Menu and the Luminaria Patio

Santa Fe's award-winning Inn and Spa at Loretto, A Destination Hotel, is proud to announce its Executive Chef, Marc Quiñones has developed a brand new spring menu focused on fresh, local ingredients for Luminaria. Additionally, the popular Luminaria patio is open for the season as Santa Fe experiences beautiful spring weather.

Featuring lighter fare suited to warmer weather, with a greater emphasis on local vegetables and fruit, the globally influenced dinner menu is completely new with the exception of two popular items, the Berkshire Pork Belly and the Roasted Bone Marrow. The menu features such starters as the Crispy Quail, Pineapple Gazpacho, Jerk Foie Gras a la Plancha and Red h20 Cress Salad, and entrees such as Lamb T-Bones, Duck Leg Cassoulet, Grilled Rock Hen, Kurobuta "Tonkatsu" Pork Chops and Foraged Mushroom Pappardelle.

Chef Quiñones is known for his top to bottom menu changes in spring and fall, with seasonal tweaks in summer and winter. After one year at Luminaria, Chef Quiñones has developed a style that reflects the colorful, local and authentic nature of the Loretto property itself.

"I go to the farmer's market here in Santa Fe twice a week to source some of the Southwest's finest ingredients for the dishes at Luminaria," said Chef Quiñones. "I feel this spring menu truly represents some of my best work-the freshest, most colorful dishes that represent the area's rich heritage and culture."

Desserts, such as White Chocolate Lavender Mousse, Mango Terrine and Tequila Lime Tart along with the Malibu Piña Colada Panna Cotta and Chambord Crème Brûlée are truly works of art.

A new lunch menu, the first in many years, will be available starting May 5, 2015.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Chef Quiñones was the Executive Chef at Bien Shur in Albuquerque for four years before working with Luminaria and won Albuquerque THE Magazine's title of "Best Chef in the City" in 2012 and 2013 as well as winning Grand Champion at the Souper Bowl in 2013. In addition, Quiñones won the 2014 Chef's Knockout titles of Critic's Choice, People's Choice and Best in Show. Quiñones staged for Chef John Besh at his signature restaurant, August, in New Orleans and has been selected for inclusion in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America. One of his career highlights was cooking for the President George W. Bush aboard Air Force One. Quiñones attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale where he graduated with a 4.0 and became a member of the Escoffier Society. He has cooked in Hawaii, Arizona and Napa, Calif. before coming to NM.

About the Inn and Spa at Loretto, A Destination Hotel

The inn and Spa at Loretto, an award winning, AAA Four Diamond hotel, is ideally located in the heart of Santa Fe, steps from the Canyon Road galleries and just one block from historic Santa Fe Plaza's galleries, museums, and boutiques. Eloquently blending old-world charm with world-class splendor, the exquisite Inn and Spa at Loretto reflects the culture and sophistication of its historic Santa Fe location. The hotel features 136 guestrooms, a full-service spa, casual modern dining, three art galleries and a tranquil garden. Enjoy Luminaria Restaurant and Patio for three meals daily, The Living Room for happy hour, late night dining and live music and the Spa at Loretto for holistic and complete indulgence experience.

About Destination Hotels
Destination Hotels (Destination) is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 130 exceptional bars and restaurants. Destination Hotels are true to our place; diverse by design. For more information, visit http://www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

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