SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 21, 2014) - Barona Resort & Casino announced today that Chef de Cuisine Duncan Firth has been promoted and will now serve as the Executive Chef at San Diego's leading gaming resort destination.
With 15 years in the culinary industry, Firth brings an impressive range of experience to his new position. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, Firth is a well-respected executive chef who has worked in kitchens from Napa Valley to Montreal, Malibu and now San Diego. In addition to his culinary talents, he is also a wine specialist, a former instructor at the New England Culinary Institute, and has a proven track record in management and operations.
"Chef Firth has been a loyal and dedicated member of the Barona family since 2005 and has been a great teacher and mentor to our culinary staff members," said Rick Salinas, general manager of Barona Resort & Casino. "We are thrilled that he will continue to provide the leadership necessary to maintain our high standards in the food & beverage department and create many more delicious Barona Moments for our players."
Since joining Barona in 1999, Firth has overseen culinary operations in three of the property's signature restaurants, The Barona Steakhouse, Italian Cucina and The Plaza Grill. In his new role, he will manage all operations for Barona's 15 restaurants and casual eateries, special events catering, gameside dining, and will also continue to serve as Barona's resident wine specialist
"It is such an honor to be promoted to this position," said Firth. "My motto has always been that great food is prepared by great people. Barona clearly has the greatest food and beverage people that I have ever had the privilege to work with and I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue working with such a talented team. They are what make Barona's restaurants so extraordinary."
Chef Firth has an associate degree in Culinary Arts from New England Culinary Institute and a master's certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. He is active in the culinary community as a member of the Hotel Food and Beverage Magazine Advisory Council and the American Culinary Federation Slow Food movement.
Recent winner of the U-T San Diego best of award for Best Casino and Loosest Slots, Barona has 2,000 slots and video poker machines. Additionally, the casino features over 80 table games including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud, Barona Craps, Three-Card Poker, Four-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride, Baccarat and Barona Roulette. Barona has recently added Sic Bo and Barona Pan 9 to Barona's Asian gaming pit which is the largest Asian gaming pit in San Diego.
About Barona Resort & Casino
Barona Resort & Casino, an AAA Four Diamond rated property, blends the best of San Diego's leading resorts with the gaming excitement of Las Vegas. Barona features 400 guest rooms and suites all with beautiful views of the Barona Valley, a variety of award-winning dining options, the AmBience Day Spa, a full-service events center and the 18-hole championship Barona Creek Golf Club, rated the 4th best resort course in California by Golfweek magazine. For Barona Resort & Casino reservations and information, visit www.barona.com, or call toll free 888-7-BARONA (722-7662). You can also join Barona on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Foursquare.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Audrey Doherty
619-236-8397
Kelly Jacobs Speer
619-933-5013