Contact Information: Media Contacts: David Gutierrez Dresner Corporate Services 312-780-7204 dgutierrez@dresnerco.com Sara Ryan Dresner Corporate Services 312-780-7223 sryan@dresnerco.com
Brandt Beef Names Thomas J. McAliney Executive Chef
| Source: Brandt Beef
BRAWLEY, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 27, 2006 -- Brandt Beef -- The True Natural, a family
owned, premium natural beef producer, announced today that it has appointed
Thomas J. McAliney as executive chef.
Mr. McAliney comes to Brandt Beef from the Greenwich Country Club in
Greenwich, Conn., where he served as executive chef and director of food
and beverage.
"Tom is an extraordinarily talented chef with extensive experience working
with natural products and catering special events," said Eric Brandt,
Managing Partner, Brandt Beef. "We are very excited to have someone of his
caliber on board as our executive chef."
"It is my passion for working with local growers and seasonal products that
led me to Brandt Beef," said Tom McAliney. "Brandt Beef embraces
old-fashioned farm values and raises their beef naturally and humanely. I
look forward to introducing other chefs, and ultimately consumers, to the
wonderful, all-natural products produced by the Brandt family."
Prior to serving as the executive chef at the Greenwich Country Club, Mr.
McAliney was executive chef and assistant general manager of The Union Club
of the City of New York where he increased food sales by 50 percent and
created new menus with an emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal
ingredients. The New York Press Association credited Mr. McAliney with
"turning around Club food as we know it and propelling into the next
century!"
Previously, Mr. McAliney also served as corporate executive chef of special
events for Planet Hollywood and New-York based Restaurant Associates where
he hosted such events as the Grammy Awards, Olympic fundraisers, Elton John
AIDS Foundation Awards, the Silver Apple Awards, Mayor Giuliani's
Inauguration, Hollywood movie premieres, celebrity weddings and corporate
IPOs.
Prior to Planet Hollywood and Restaurant Associates, Mr. McAliney opened
and operated McHurley's Restaurant in East Fishkill, New York. It was here
that he developed a passion for working with local farms, dairies and
wineries to create contemporary menus blended with seasonal products.
During his ownership, Mr. McAliney's restaurant received multiple accolades
including: "Outstanding," Brian Miller, New York Times restaurant critic;
Gold Medal Winner, 1986-1991, "Taste of the Hudson Valley" competition;
"Best Restaurant," 1989-1991, Hudson Valley Food and Wine Society; and "Top
5 Restaurants," 1985-1991, Hudson Valley Magazine.
In addition to his work experience, Mr. McAliney has completed several
Stages throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. McAliney began his
Stage work at Restaurant Laurent in Manhattan, as the first American
applicant accepted to the four-star French restaurant headed by Master Chef
Laurent Losa. Continuing his professional education, Mr. McAliney also
completed a series of Stages in France at Restaurant Le Crocodile, St.
James restaurant and Staging with Georges Blanc, as well as Chez Nico with
Nico Laudemis in London, The French Laundry with Thomas Keller in
California and Tetsuya Wakuda in Sydney, Australia.
About Brandt Beef
Brandt Beef -- The True Natural, is a family owned premium natural beef
producer for the up-scale restaurant and retail markets. The Brandt family
is passionate about producing the most consistent, highest quality, 100
percent source verified natural beef in the market. Through cattle
selection, natural feeding practices and humane treatment of animals,
Brandt Beef produces a product that is unparalleled in taste, tenderness
and consistency. Recently, Brandt Beef received the Master Chefs'
Institute Seal of Excellence for its achievement in obtaining the Master
Chef's Institute standard of quality. More information is available at
www.brandtbeef.com.