The St. Regis Aspen Resort introduced its new Resort Executive Chef, Laurent Pillard, who will oversee the property’s culinary teams at Velvet Buck, the resort’s signature restaurant with a focus on modern mountain cuisine; Mountain Social Bar & Lounge; Splash Pool Lounge; in-room dining; and catering. Known for his classic European background and sophisticated culinary style, Chef Pillard brings a worldly viewpoint and unparalleled level of expertise to the resort and Aspen community.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Pillard to The St. Regis Aspen Resort,” says Heather Steenge-Hart, general manager of The St. Regis Aspen Resort. “Chef Pillard’s international experience and exceptional culinary style will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our guests and bring a new level of mastery to the resort.”
Chef Pillard brings years of culinary experience to The St. Regis Aspen Resort, having worked in a number of the top kitchens in France including Ècole Hôtelière François Billoux in Blois; the two Michelin starred Hôtel du Lion d’Or in Romorantin; L’Archestrate and Lucas Carton, three Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris; and Troisgros in Roanne. Chef Pillard also cooked at Mietta’s in Australia and Les Saveurs in London, before leading the kitchens at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, and opening several restaurants in Las Vegas.
“I am delighted to join The St. Regis Aspen Resort culinary team and to put my own touches on the already elevated cuisine,” states Chef Pillard. “The hearty mountain dishes already beloved by Aspen guests will mesh nicely with the traditional French dishes of my youth. By working with local farms, cheesemakers, and butchers, my goal is to highlight products from the Rockies, while delighting guests with more interaction from the kitchen team.”
With Chef Pillard at the helm, guests of Velvet Buck can expect to see local, seasonal ingredients presented in creative and engaging ways. Through tableside presentations, as well as fun, innovative dishes, Chef Pillard and his team will engage with guests on a new level. At Splash Pool Lounge and Remède Spa, Chef will reimagine the menus, while maintaining light and fresh dishes.
