Luxury Hotel Brings Georgian Chef to Cannes for Gastronomy Celebration

CANNES, FRANCE--(Marketwired - Aug 9, 2013) -  Haute couture will meet with gastronomic cuisine to once again bring together the emblematic history of France and Russia during Franco-Russian Week events planned for Aug. 26-31 amidst the elegant surroundings of one of the premier beach hotels in Cannes.

Beginning with the arrival of Georgian Chef Guram Baghdiashvili at the JW Marriott Cannes on Monday, Aug. 26 to a gala evening of fine cuisine and high-end fashions on Wednesday and the presentation of special "Franco Russian" menus at the hotel on Thursday and Friday, the week will be filled with exceptional opportunities to enjoy delightful originals from both fashion designers and gourmet chefs.

During the event's signature gala a spectacular fashion show will feature designs by Max Chaoul and Legends Couture Monaco by Bilal Barrage. Following the stylish fashion event, gourmet chefs inspired by the impressive parade of design will be invited to create unique dishes reflecting the collection through a live cooking show. Elena Podkaminskaya, Nikita Tarasov and Dmitry Naguiev, famous for their appearances on Russia's Kitchen TV will be assisting chefs in the challenge.

Another feature of the evening will be photo exposures of creations by South Korean Artist Yeonju Sung. The artist is famed for her ability of turning food into haute as presented in her Wearable Foods exhibit at Studio Akka in Milan, Italy.

Great chefs scheduled to participate in the five-day event include Ivan Berezutski of the PMI Bar located on the Moika River 7 in St. Petersburg, Russia; Anatoly Kazakov of the "Hills" gourmet restaurant in Moscow; Slava Kazakov of Oblaka, Moscow; Sébastien Mahuet of France's La Reserve de Nice; Erwal Louaisil of the French Rivieria's own Moulin de Mougins; Serge Gouloumes of Cannes' Le Mas Candille; Mickael Durieux and Bertrand Schmitt of the Hôtel Majestic Barrière in Cannes; and the JW Marriott Cote d'Azur hotel's own Sebastian Klinholff, who will host Baghdiashvili of the No Solo Agua in Portugal, Georgia. Russian chefs will be welcomed by their counterparts from France who represent some of the finest French restaurants in Cannes. 

The 36-year-old Baghdiashvili, who has journeyed around the world twice and speaks five languages, began his career in Georgia at the Hotel Ajara and Western Metechi Palace Hotel, and continues in the restaurant Western Europa and at the Hotel Presidential Palace Krstanisi Western. His career has included some of the best restaurants of Russia such as Edem Western in the Le Saint-Laurent in Brussels. In 2011 he opened his own restaurant in Portimao -- Tapas and Wine Bar by Chef Guram, which specializes in "experimental" cuisine. Dishes featured are of local tradition with discrete touches from other countries. Reinforcing his dedication to working with local producers, the décor of his establishment features photos of farmers and producers responsible for his menu ingredients.

About the JW Marriott Cannes
The JW Marriott Cannes presents impeccable five-star lodging with an expansive offering of lavish guest rooms and suites. The hotel's location on the former site of the Palais des Festivals puts guests just steps from the beach and in the heart of the annual Cannes International Film Festival. An exciting destination for both business and leisure, the hotel features 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space ideal for hosting business or social gatherings, and its rooftop panorama offers a uniquely romantic view of the Mediterranean Sea.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today's sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 45 JW Marriott hotels in 19 countries; by 2013 the portfolio will encompass 73 properties in 28 countries.

About Marriott International
Marriott International is a leading lodging company with more than 3,400 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites Inn and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland USA, and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 yearend. It is recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion. For more information, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com