Show 210, February 11, 2017: Sean Macready, Social Media / Digital Manager, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Sean MacReadyPechanga is well along with an ambitious $285 million expansion of the Hotel and all other guest amenities on the property with the exception of the Casino facilities. A new 2,400 space parking garage has just opened as the first part of the enhancements.

The project involves adding a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing; a stand-alone luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace; a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas; two new restaurants; and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space.

Pechanga Resort and Casino expansion“We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities,” said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino.”

Pechanga’s Digital Marketing Manager, Sean MacReady fills us in.

Talk about clever marketing. How do you get the point across with recall that Pechanga always has complimentary Valet Parking for their guests?  See Sean’s creative approach in “Jurassic Parking” from Pechanga’s You Tube Channel.

Show 202, December 17, 2016: Executive Chef Michael Poompan, Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa

Michael PoompanThe Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa has been revamped and repositioned as a destination resort with an emphasis on healthy living. The new Executive Chef, Michael Poompan, has added excitement to the menus in Current and Tides Restaurant and Lounge.

There is a heightened emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients. Chef strives for his cuisine to strike a connection with the local community and to establish creativity in all his dishes. There are also, refreshingly, some Northern Baja wines (the low profile neighbor to the South) on their menu.

How about a Spicy Pork Loin Torta? It’s Cook Pigs’ Ranch pork, with creamy avocado and pickled red onion.

First joining the Marriott team as a culinary intern at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Chef Poompan learned the ins and outs of the 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.

Chef Poompan has been recognized as Renaissance Hotels Chef of the Year for the Americas and received Marriott’s Award of Culinary Excellence in 2011.

Chef Michael jumps out of the kitchen to chat with us.