Renowned Chef Finds a Home at Montage

Even as a young boy, Shawn Armstrong understood the perks of a multicultural approach to cuisine. “One of my grandmothers cooked Texas soul food like fried pork chops, collard greens and buttermilk biscuits while my other grandmother would make a smorgasbord of pastries,” says the new Executive Chef of Montage Deer Valley. That happy mélange of flavors launched Chef Armstrong on a globe-spanning adventure that finds him now facilitating operations for the resort’s restaurants and special events.

Stints at high-profile restaurants in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Maldives broadened Chef Armstrong’s repertoire and sense of adaptability. “When I was in Asia, I didn’t import the U.S. products I knew, but learned to love the local, high-quality ingredients. That helped me develop my style, which I would describe as honest, true cooking, whether it’s Thai, Indian or Texas barbeque.”

At Montage Deer Valley, Chef Armstrong is eagerly adapting to his new setting’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. His deft touch with international cuisines is adding pizzazz to the resort’s menus. To experience Chef Armstrong’s culinary fare or to visit Montage Deer Valley, please call (435) 604-1300.

Just Desserts: Winning Cupcakes by
Executive Pastry Chef Richard Ruskell

Cupcakes are all the rage these days, and the creations by the winner of Food Network’s Last Cake Standing definitely… took the Fan Favorite cake. Chef Ruskell’s luscious, handcrafted cupcakes are customized to the season, holiday or your personal event. Available only at Montage Beverly Hills, these artful confections arrive in distinctive, themed packages of 14 for $60. Delivery is complimentary in Beverly Hills and starts at $20 outside of Beverly Hills. To order, please call (310) 860-5800.

Share something tasty this spring

Celebrate the Artistry of Wine

A passion for fine wine is an essential ingredient of the Montage experience. From extensive cellars to innovative programs, Montage satisfies even the savviest connoisseurs. A favorite at all three destinations is our signature Artistry of Wine program, a weekly wine education series led by our accomplished sommeliers. Each two-hour tasting and seminar focuses on an exciting varietal or region from around the world.

Montage Laguna Beach is home to a prolific wine list of more than 2,100 labels and Studio’s wine-by-the-glass “Sommelier Selections.” Montage Beverly Hills is proud to handpick every wine on a list of nearly 1,000 selections that pairs exceptional quality and value. At Montage Deer Valley, premiere varietals from California, Oregon, Washington and New York are emphasized, as well as niche and rare wines.

Whether you’re seeking a vintage Champagne, a new world Pinot Noir or a specially selected flight to complement your culinary experience, we invite you to explore the wonderful world of wine with Montage. To reserve your spot in the Artistry of Wine at Laguna Beach, please call (949) 715-6000; at Beverly Hills, call (310) 860-7800; and at Deer Valley^®, call (435) 604-1300.

Fan Favorite

With more than 60,000 bottles of wine at Montage Hotels & Resorts, it was a happy surprise to find any consensus at all. Popular at all three destinations, Johndrow Cabernet and Cabernet Reserve emerged as true contenders for the title, but Clarity, Johndrow’s Sauvignon Blanc, received the highest praise for its easy compatibility with any meal.

A Sweet Beginning with Montage Laguna Beach

The next time you delight your taste buds with something delectably fruity or decadently chocolaty at Montage Laguna Beach, chances are Chef Lee Smith had something to do with it. As the resort’s Executive Pastry Chef, Chef Smith brings to his new post 24 years of experience at acclaimed restaurants in Europe, Asia and the U.S., as well as an unrelenting, lifelong passion for pastry making.

Originally from England, Chef Smith developed his craft while cooking with his grandmother. “We would bake scones and teacakes on Sunday afternoons. It was the magic of it, really, baking together and then eating it all.” And devouring every last bite is exactly his plan for you, delivering simple, delectable dishes inspired not by flashy, overly clever technique, but rather by flawless execution and the most succulent ingredients.

Whether it’s edible flowers and savory herbs or freshly picked fruits from the local farmer’s market, the secret to Chef Smith’s appeal is letting the flavors shine through. “At the end of the day, if you put a plate of food in front of someone, it should be absolutely delicious.” His newfound fans couldn’t agree more. To taste the culinary artistry of Chef Smith, please call (949) 715-6000 to make a reservation or visit Montage Laguna Beach.