Beijing, China (November 09, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — On the 5 November 2009 the Westin Beijing Financial Street once again hosted its annual 'HATS OFF' culinary event to rave reviews. A spectacular evening that left guests in awe of an amazing culinary experience, the 2009 'HATS OFF' event saw four internationally renowned award-winning chefs exhibit their talents in a one time only exquisite eight course menu at The Westin Beijing Financial Street. "I have been to many food and beverage events this year, but 'hats off' by Westin Financial Street has taken the dining experience to another level" says one food connoisseur.

The Treasury Ballroom became a beautiful backdrop to the four international culinary heavy weights: two star Michelin Chef Alvin Leung one of the most creative chefs in Asia, 2010 Australian Chef of The Year Mark Best, Peter Kuruvita – awarded one hat by the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and The Westin Beijing Financial Street's very own award winning Canadian Chef, Stephane Tremblay.  

Renowned for his unique 'X-treme Chinese' cuisine, Alvin Leung takes traditional Chinese recipes and blends modern ingredients and cooking techniques. His restaurant Bo Innovation in Hong Kong is the only independent restaurant to win two Michelin Stars by the coveted Michelin guide.

Currently the most buzzed about chef and restaurant in Sydney Australia Mark Best most recently won Chef of The Year at the 2010 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. His restaurant Marque was awarded three hats by the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in 2009 and 2010, Restaurant of the Year 2009 by Timeout Sydney and most recently ranked number two in the Gourmet Traveller's 2010 Top 100 Restaurant Awards.

Peter Kuruvita gained much of his culinary style and passion during his childhood from watching his grandmother prepare ancient family recipes. His impressive restaurant Flying Fish in Sydney Australia was awarded one hat by the 2010 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards for its culinary creativity and idyllic ambience. Peter has graced prestigious restaurants in London, USA, Fiji, Lord Howe, Hayman Islands, and Bali.

Executive Chef Stephane Tremblay of The Westin Beijing Financial Street gained his extensive culinary experience from prestigious five star hotels in France, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 122 hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and was voted the number one upper-upscale hotel brand for three years in Business Travel News' "Annual U.S. Hotel Chain Survey".

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 950 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced aloftSM and ELEMENTSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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