Daniel Ritacco Named Director of Restaurant Operations at Park Ridge Marriott

PARK RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwired - Jul 2, 2013) - Daniel Ritacco has been named Director of Restaurant Operations at the Park Ridge Marriott, it was announced by Sal Pignio, General Manager. Prior to this position he was Senior Sous Chef at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel.

Mr. Ritacco's background and career in the kitchen make him a perfect fit for Park Ridge Marriott's restaurants, including Allie's American Grille and Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub. Guests of the family friendly hotel can choose between an expansive buffet with a la carte American cuisine, and what many consider the best authentic Irish pub in Bergen County, NJ.

A self-taught chef, Mr. Ritacco gained his passion for food through his mother, when, as a child, he would help her prepare authentic Italian dishes for the family's Sunday dinner. His first professional culinary experience was at Giordano's hometown market in Nutley, NJ, where he learned the culinary basics that he still uses today, including making home-style soups, sauces, and many other culinary treats.

Mr. Ritacco then began his career with Marriott as a line cook for the Hanover Marriott. There he strove for excellence in every aspect of the kitchen and was promoted several times in the four years he worked there. In 2006, he became culinary supervisor at the hotel, and was later promoted to banquet chef.

In 2009, he joined the Renaissance Newark Airport hotel as Banquet Chef and was quickly promoted to Senior Sous Chef in 2010.

Chef Ritacco's most rewarding experience is when he looks at a dining room full of people with happy faces and full stomachs. He considers his style of cooking to be innovative yet personal -- incorporating new local ingredients in traditional recipes.

The Park Ridge Marriott is set in a tranquil urban oasis where guests cross over a scenic bridge overlooking a natural stream with koi fish in a lush tree-filled setting. Each of the 289 newly renovated guest rooms feature Marriott's signature bedding as well as the latest amenities. Guests can also enjoy The Botanical, a full-service spa onsite; an indoor pool; fitness center; and dining at Allie's American Grill and Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub. The Bergen County, NJ, property also features 19 meeting rooms of varying sizes and an 8,400 square foot ballroom, ideal for weddings and other special occasions. For additional information, visit www.marriott.com/ewrpr.

Learn more on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SeanOcaseysIrishPub

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
With 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 60 countries around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, enabling the next generation to Travel Brilliantly. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom, Future of Meetings and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.