St Andrews, 15 May 2017 – Fairmont St Andrews has appointed Gerard Chouet as head pastry chef at the luxury five-star hotel.
Former chef at two Michelin-star restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles, Gerard brings over 25 years’ experience as a pâtissier and will be responsible for transforming the dessert menus throughout the resort, including new seasonal treats for the Savoy Afternoon Tea and taking a pivotal role in International Sunday Brunch which is coming to the hotel in June.
Having worked and trained in some of the finest kitchens in the UK and native France, including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Hotel Tresanton, Gerard has become renowned for combining his French traditions with Scottish flair.
A specialist chocolatier, Gerard learned the art of foraging from a young age and has developed a strong palate for the most natural ingredients and a passion for experimental flavour combinations. Gerard refined his expertise for patisserie at the prestigious Bellouet Conseil pastry school and Valrhona Chocolate School in Paris and has since become renowned for his innovative pastry techniques, none more so than his chocolate bonbons.
Gerard is a finalist for the 2017 Catering in Scotland patisserie chef of the year; won gold for work in chocolate at Scothot 2015, Scotland’s biggest food, drink and hospitality trade show; and, won gold for his chocolate petit fours at Hotelympia 2012.
Gerard Chouet, head pastry chef, said: “I have been extremely lucky to work with some of the freshest produce in the country, they don’t come much fresher than from the Fife region and I cannot wait to work with the Fairmont St Andrews team to establish new and innovative treats to share with the hotel guests.”
John Keating, general manager, Fairmont St Andrews commented: “We are really excited to welcome Gerard to Fairmont St Andrews and enjoy his culinary creations. His patisserie experience and passion for provenance will be reflected on our menus and we are looking forward to him and the team taking the hotels culinary offering to the next level.”
###
About Fairmont St Andrews
The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort boasts two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including the Scottish Youth National Championship and the Scottish Senior Open.
In addition to golf tournaments, Fairmont St Andrews has also hosted some of the world’s most important politicians and powerbrokers as a venue for both Northern Ireland peace talks and a G20 Summit.
Currently undergoing a multimillion pound renovation, the resort will benefit from a refreshed interior with a contemporary feel using materials that reflect the surrounding 520 acre area. The Atrium area features the magnificent lighting sculpture by renowned artist, George Singer, named Zephyr, which emulates shoals of fish in St Andrews Bay and the blowing reeds on the cliff tops. The resort also has a sumptuous spa complex which offers a range of treatments including locally-themed massages, facial and relaxation therapies and exclusive Ishga Skincare and Aromatherapy Associates treatments in 10 chic treatment rooms.
Accolades and awards for Fairmont St Andrews
- Fife Business Award, Excellence in Food & Drink – 2017
- Scottish Hospitality Awards, Best Hotel Resort – 2016
- Five-star AA Award – 2016
- AA Rosette Award – St Andrews Bar & Grill – 2016
- Best Large Hotel Winner – 2015 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards
- Kittocks Course – Golf Club & Course Experience of the Year 2013 – Golf Tourism Scotland
- Five-star Award for Best Resort Hotel UK 2013 – International Hotel Awards
- European Golf Resort of the Year 2012 by IAGTO
- The Torrance course 20th and The Kittock’s course 40th best modern courses of 2010 – Golfweek
- 22nd on international list, World’s 50 Best Golf Hotels – Golf Digest
- Resort Hotel of the Year 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015 – Golf Tourism Scotland
- 18th Best Golf Resort in the World – Conde Nast Traveller
- International Resort Hotel of the Year – Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards 2009
- Expedia award as top one per cent of hotels in the world
- Hosted G20 summit
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts connects guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, providing travelers with memorable travel experiences, thoughtful and attentive service and luxury hotels that are truly unforgettable. Each Fairmont property reflects the locale’s energy, culture and history through locally inspired cuisine, spirited bars and lounges and distinctive design and decor. With more than 70 hotels globally, and many more in development, the Fairmont collection boasts some of the most iconic and distinctive hotels in the world. This extraordinary collection includes The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Fairmont is part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,100 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 3000 of the finest private homes around the globe. For more information or reservations, please visit fairmont.com.
