Downtown restaurant hires chef de cuisine

Downtown restaurant hires chef de cuisine

Alessandro Guerrazzi. Courtesy JW Marriott

A local hotel restaurant has hired a new head chef.

JW Marriott Grand Rapids Hotel has hired Alessandro Guerrazzi as chef de cuisine at six.one.six, Mixology Lounge and the jdek — the hotel’s waterfront patio and bar.

Guerrazzi oversees all culinary operations at the hotel’s signature restaurant and will assist in bringing new menu concepts inspired by his experience with French cuisine.

Most recently, Guerrazzi served as executive chef at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining in Grand Rapids and held executive chef and chef de cuisine roles in Italy and California.

Classically trained in French cuisine and a native of Italy, Guerrazzi said his cooking and management style is heavily influenced by his European roots and global culinary experience.

He holds degrees in restaurant, hotel and culinary management from Santa Barbara City College and the Culinary Academy Marco Polo in Genoa, Italy.

Guerrazzi began his career as an instructor of fine dining in Southern California before taking an executive sous chef position in North Carolina.

He then returned to California and opened an Italian eatery and café.

“Chef 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. “His expertise will be integral in elevating seasonal menus and new concepts.”

AHC+Hospitality

AHC+Hospitality is a management company specializing in customized hospitality solutions for a portfolio of hotel and restaurant brands including Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotel Corp., Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Ruth’s Hospitality Group and more.