Jonathan Wright has been appointed Executive Chef of Rainbow Room, which is set to open this October. Praised for his ability to command a kitchen and execute a wide range of cuisines, Chef Wright brings more than 20 years of international culinary experience to the iconic New York venue.
Wright has worked in renowned and dynamic food and beverage operations around the globe, including the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (UK), Sandy Lane Hotel (Barbados), The Setai, Miami Beach and Windsor Court Hotel (Louisiana). Most recently he served as Director of Kitchens for Raffles Plaza Fairmont and Swissotel Singapore, managing a culinary team comprised of more than 450 full-time employees.
“We are extremely pleased that Chef Wright has agreed to lead Rainbow Room’s culinary team,” said Keith Douglas, Managing Director, Rockefeller Center. “Throughout his career, Wright has exceeded expectations by delivering memorable dishes and extraordinary experiences. We’re excited to showcase his talents to New Yorkers and international clientele when Rainbow Room opens in October.”
Wright will develop all menus for Rainbow Room, including those for the restaurant and special events. He will also oversee the menus for Dining Club, Rockefeller Center, and the bar and cocktail lounge, which are being reintroduced this fall as well.
“It is an honor to assume the position of Executive Chef for this historic New York City landmark,” said Chef Wright. “Cooking in New York City has always been a dream of mine, and the storied Rainbow Room embodies the glamor and allure that I, and so many others, closely associate with this great city. After more than two decades as a professional chef, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to cook on the ultimate stage in the ultimate city.”
In the coming months, Wright, along with the group from Tishman Speyer and Blau + Associates, will build the culinary team that will be charged with executing extraordinary experiences at the Rainbow Room once again.
The Rainbow Room is New York City’s historic landmark and iconic restaurant and event space that is located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center. It will re-open to the public in October 2014. Designed by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, the space, including its legendary dance floor overlooking the Manhattan skyline, will be restored through a modern lens to once again embody the glamour and elegance reflective of its rich history, yet updated for its future.
Operating as a combination of catered event space and restaurant that is open to the public, the Rainbow Room will be open to the public for Sunday Brunch and for à la carte dining and entertainment on Monday evenings, beginning in early October. Reservations will be accepted beginning this summer. A previously unused outdoor terrace on the 65th floor will connect to an interior space that has been transformed into a cocktail lounge, SixtyFive, which will be open to the public five nights each week and offers sweeping views of Manhattan. Building off the tradition as a great destination for performances, occasional live entertainment will return to the Rainbow Room as well. For more information, please visit the Rainbow Room’s website.
Images Courtesy of Rainbow Room
