Hong Kong, 10 May 2012 – Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is delighted to announce the promotion of Ryuki Kawasaki to Chef de Cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire.
Chef Kawasaki was appointed by Chef Pierre Gagnaire in 2009 to open Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, the three-star Michelin chef’s first and only restaurant in the United States. During Chef Kawasaki’s tenure, the restaurant has received high media praise, including the coveted ‘Five Star’ rating by Forbes Travel Guide. Prior to this promotion, Chef Kawasaki was the Senior Sous Chef under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Pascal Sanchez, who is returning to his homeland of France.
Chef Kawasaki hails from a long list of legendary Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe and Japan, beginning at the three-star Michelin restaurant Paul Bocuse as Commis de Cuisine in France. He also held the post of Chef de Partie for five years at the three-star Michelin restaurant Taillevent Robuchon, one of Chef Joel Robuchon’s most famous restaurants in Japan. In 2005, he relocated to London where he was the Senior Sous Chef at Sketch Lecture Room, a one-star Michelin restaurant under Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Since then, he’s worked closely with Chef Gagnaire, most notably on the opening of Twist by Pierre Gagnaire.
“I feel very lucky to have worked with incredible teams led by extremely talented chefs in wonderful restaurants,” said Chef Kawasaki. “I look forward to continuing the unique style that I’ve learned from Chef Gagnaire and will continue to seek ways to surprise and delight our guests.”
Originally from Japan, Chef Kawasaki studied French and European cuisine at the TSUJI Culinary School in Japan and France and received the “Best Chef of the Year in School” award in 1997. Chef Kawasaki is fluent in Japanese, French and English.
(Photos of Chef Kawasaki are available upon request).
For reservations and information, please call +1 (702 590 8882), email molas-fbresv@mohg.com or book online at www.opentable.com/mandarinorientallasvegas.
About Twist by Pierre Gagnaire
Twist by Pierre Gagnaire is Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States. The innovative menu infuses the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is renowned. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and features seasonal à la carte offerings, a delightful three-course tasting and a lavish six-course experience.