Sheraton Dallas Hotel is proud to recognize Senior Sous Chef Ricardo Viesca Gutierrez as the winner of the Vegetarian Division and one of the 12 finalists in the 2024 World Food Championships. Chef Ricardo faced over 300 teams of competitors from more than 35 states and 20 countries to take home titles across 12 different categories. Chef Ricardo won the Vegetarian Category with his dish, Smoked Vodka Sauce, and earned the chance to compete at the World Food Championships Final Table this March in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he will battle against the other 11 category winners. Chef Ricardo has been Senior Sous Chef at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel for two years.

Since its debut in 2012, the World Food Championships (WFC) has amassed a tremendous worldwide following, providing a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at its events, as well as numerous live and made-for-TV shows. In addition to popularizing competitive cooking, the WFC platform has had an undeniable impact on the food industry, facilitating the creation of more than 10,000 new dishes and supporting communities via partnerships with various local non-profits, charities, and food banks throughout the United States. In short, the WFC platform has given birth to "Food Sport" by providing a level playing field, a fair judging system, innovative culinary programming, ambassador opportunities, TV visibility and a process that allows talented culinary teams to compete in ways never seen before.

The decision to join the competition was not difficult for Chef Ricardo, who also competed at last year’s World Food Championship in Dallas, where he gained the necessary experience to bring home the trophy from Indianapolis, back in November. He eagerly seeks creative challenges to test his culinary skills and knowledge. Chef Ricardo’s journey at the World Food Championship was supported by his devoted partner Marielle Ramos, who is the Sous Chef in the Dallas Marriott Downtown across the street from the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Together, they practiced all day and night to refine the dish, balancing work with practice for the competition.

Born in Mexico City, Chef Ricardo wanted to explore the difference between home-prepared dishes and restaurant-quality cuisine. Armed with extensive knowledge of flavors, he attended culinary school at Superior de Gastronomia in Mexico City and Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Sevilla in Seville, Spain to polish his technical skills. Chef Ricardo’s travels continued, as he lived in many states across the United States and in multiple countries, working in luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants.

Chef Ricardo’s creativity is palpable, as dishes are often introduced to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel menu, straight from his home kitchen, where he spends time developing elevated dishes that are also “warm and comforting” – including the winning dish, Smoked Vodka Sauce. “I draw inspiration from my Mexican heritage, travels, and home [Texas] to create beautiful, delicious comfort food that brings joy. I love eating good food and know what I want to see on a restaurant’s menu as a consumer.” He continues, “My experience at Sheraton Dallas has been rewarding. They have given me complete liberty to be creative in the kitchen and push the envelope.”

The Smoked Vodka Sauce pays homage to Texas with Texas-founded Tito’s Vodka as the base and the utilization of Sheraton’s industrial-sized smoker to smoke the tomatoes and imitate the smokiness of iconic Texas barbecue. 

The Smoked Vodka Sauce is featured in the Pappardelle Allá Vodka dish available to order at Open Palette in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, located at 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201. 

For more information about the Sheraton Dallas, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

Kitchen Design Concepts recently completed a kitchen transformation that balances aesthetic appeal and functionality for a busy family of six. With a focus on practicality and an appreciation for personal style, the design brings together unique features like a bold yellow backsplash, innovative storage solutions, and smart tech elements. 

Design Highlights and Solutions

• Island Redesign: The original kitchen featured a large, square island that did not use the space to its full potential. The new island design became a focal point of the renovation, with a split-level island introduced to differentiate the prep/cooking area from the kids' homework and dining area. The triangular shape with waterfall edges allowed for a full seating area with space for four stools, which a traditional straight island could not accommodate. 

• Storage Innovation: With storage being a top priority, the kitchen design was focused on maximizing every inch of the space. One standout feature is the two custom roll-out trays designed for easy access to essentials. 

• Bold Use of Color: The family had a strong connection to the color yellow. The design team chose a striking yellow backsplash to bring color into the space without overwhelming the whole kitchen.

• Tech-Savvy Details: Understanding the family’s busy lifestyle, the design integrated smart features like outlets lined under the island, one for each child. This thoughtful addition makes it easy for the kids to charge their devices while doing homework, all while keeping the kitchen organized during busy family dinners.

• Mudroom Upgrade: To accommodate the family’s love for outdoor activities and the kids' involvement in multiple sports, Kitchen Design Concepts prioritized creating a highly functional mudroom. The space was transformed into a practical mudroom with true “lockers,” complete with individual cubbies and drawers for each child’s shoes, sports gear, and outdoor equipment. 

The home had original hardwood floors that the homeowners wanted to patch, sand, and smooth. The existing hand-scraped finish felt outdated, especially given the contemporary direction of the new design. To modernize the look, the design team removed the hand scraping and re-stained the floors, giving them a sleek, polished finish. The homeowners loved the new floors so much that they decided to continue it through to the stairs and upstairs, creating a cohesive flow throughout the whole home.

This home renovation is a great example of how a well-thought-out design can turn everyday challenges into an opportunity for creativity. From the bold backsplash to the storage solutions, every detail was tailored to enhance the family’s everyday life, making the space not only more beautiful but also more usable.

Sheraton Dallas presents a Valentine’s Day evening to remember on Friday, February 14, with an expertly crafted, four-course dinner at Open Palette. Enjoy a romantic evening with live music by talented violinists, creating the perfect ambiance for your celebration. To make the night even more special, Open Palette is delighted to offer a complimentary bottle of Brut per couple as a toast to your love.

The dinner is $194 per couple. Reservations for February 14, 2025, are available now on OpenTable.

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

Amuse-Bouche (choose one)

• Crab Cake Bite. Delicately seared with chipotle tartar sauce.

• Spanish Iberico Ham Bruschetta. Toasted artisan bread topped with tomato relish.

• Roasted Vegetable Puff Pastry. Flaky pastry filled with smoked ricotta and roasted peppers. 

Appetizer (choose one) 

• Mexico City Shrimp Cocktail. Succulent shrimp in a tangy cocktail sauce with avocado, corn chips, and micro cilantro.

• Burrata Salad. Creamy burrata paired with cantaloupe chutney, caramelized pear, pecan nuts, arugula, and crisp crostini.

Entree (choose one)

• Braised Wayuu Short Rib. Tender boneless short rib served with potato pavé, smoked carrots, roasted broccolini, and a rich beef jus.

• Lobster Pappardelle. House-made pappardelle pasta with sautéed local mushrooms, fresh spinach, succulent lobster, and a luxurious cream sauce.

Dessert

• Opera Cake with Raspberry Gel. Coffee-soaked sponge cake with mocha French buttercream and chocolate ganache.

Beverage

• Complimentary bottle of Brut per couple

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located in Downtown Dallas at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

Kitchen Design Concepts recently completed a functional renovation of a Carrollton, Texas home to fit the needs of a couple with three children and seven grandchildren. With frequent family gatherings of up to 45 people, the home needed to balance style with practicality while accommodating large groups and ensuring functionality. 

Kitchen Design Concepts delivered a result that exceeded expectations and showcased their expertise in crafting practical, stylish spaces for multigenerational living. 

The renovation focused on transforming the kitchen and laundry room, replacing the flooring throughout the first floor, excluding the primary bathroom, redoing the staircase, and refreshing the home with new paint. The goal was to optimize space usage, resulting in a smaller, more efficient laundry room to make way for a larger, more functional kitchen that is perfect for the client’s family-centered lifestyle. 

Design Highlights:

• Enhanced Functionality: The project required significant structural updates, including adjusting beams to ensure proper HVAC integration. 

• By opening up spaces, the team reduced potential “traffic jams” during large family gatherings, which was a top priority for the client. 

• Durable Flooring: With a pool in the backyard, the clients needed flooring that could withstand water exposure while still looking beautiful. 

• Kitchen Design Concepts chose waterproof vinyl planks that look like wood to ensure a durable, indestructible option that meets the family’s needs. 

• Color Choices: The island was designed as a focal point, painted in a gorgeous shade of green to add personality and warmth to the kitchen. 

• This pop of color not only reflects the homeowner’s taste but also brings an inviting, family-friendly feel to the space. 

As many families prepare their homes for festive gatherings, incorporating durable materials and inviting colors can transform kitchens and living areas into lively, functional spaces. 

By balancing style and practicality, this renovation is ready for both everyday living and the special moments of the holiday season, offering a perfect example of how thoughtful design can enhance a home for the holidays. 

Three Premier Downtown Dallas Hotels Partner to Elevate Convention Experience

Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas Marriott Downtown, and JW Marriott Arts District Hotel Join Forces to Welcome Business Travelers with Vibrant Downtown Accommodations

DALLAS - December 9, 2024 - In an exciting move to strengthen Dallas’ position as a premier destination for business and leisure travel, three prominent downtown hotels—Sheraton Dallas, Dallas Marriott Downtown, and JW Marriott Arts District Hotel—are teaming up for the Dallas Downtown Connection, a comprehensive and elevated experience for convention-goers and corporate travelers. This new collaboration unites the strengths of each property, providing guests with unparalleled access to versatile event and meeting spaces, upscale amenities, overflow guest rooms, and a wide range of services designed to make every business trip smooth and memorable.

Conveniently linked by a sky bridge, the Sheraton Dallas Hotel and Dallas Marriott Downtown provide unmatched access to a seamless meeting experience. Just minutes away, the JW Marriott Arts District Hotel offers approachable luxury and boasts a prime location in the heart of the iconic, bustling Arts District, placing guests at the doorstep of Dallas’ cultural and entertainment hub.

Together, these three hotels elevate the convention and business travel experience with:

• 292,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

• 81 breakout spaces

• 2,615 guest rooms

• 9 restaurants and bars, including 2 grab-and-go markets

• Easy access to Downtown Dallas parks for outdoor event options

Sheraton Dallas, the largest hotel in Texas and second largest Sheraton hotel in the world, is situated in the epicenter of downtown, inviting guests to Dare to Discover Our Dallas. With over 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, it offers an impressive setting for team meetings, training, conferences, and business events in the heart of the city. The conference center and expansive pre-function areas can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees. The seasoned event management team thrives on innovation, collaborating closely with meeting planners to develop fresh solutions and deliver exceptional experiences.

Sheraton Dallas has 1,841 guest rooms to include 283 suites and 22 presidential; four food and beverage outlets; over 230,000 square feet of meeting and event space; large fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; pool with stunning views of Downtown Dallas; and an outdoor terrace garden featuring fresh herbs and vegetables that are utilized in the hotel’s dining outlets. 

At the edge of the Arts District, Dallas Marriott Downtown presents endless possibilities for hotel travelers to retreat in the heart of Dallas, as it is connected to Plaza of the Americas and provides an unparalleled vantage point to host meetings and events. The hotel offers 40,000 square feet of flexible event space, top-notch service, and a skilled in-house culinary team to personalize catering needs. With 416 guest rooms and suites, Dallas Marriott Downtown offers premium accommodations and guest amenities, featuring King beds in every room, flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities, a Clean Air filtration system integrated into all rooms, and a buzzing restaurant and bar for happy hours, late-night bites, weekend brunch, and more.

Pacific Plaza Park. Photo Credit: Sheraton Dallas. View the image here.

Steps away from the Sheraton Dallas and Dallas Marriott Downtown is Pacific Plaza Park, complete with 3.7 acres of green space for a memorable, outdoor Dallas Downtown Connection experience. Sheraton Dallas offers catering options in this space which count towards group contracted food and beverage minimums. Other park features include:

• 614-foot-long Indiana limestone seat wall traversing the entire park

• Over 140+ planted trees

• 31,950 square feet of lawn

• Light and standard outlets throughout the park

• Outdoor amplified sound, allowed in conjunction with a special event permit between the hours of 9 AM and 10 PM

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District Hotel is an exceptional location in the Arts District, minutes from renowned shopping, dining and entertainment, including Klyde Warren Park – recently named the “#5 Best City Park in the country” by USA Today – and the American Airlines Center. Each of the 10 versatile, light-filled meeting venues, totaling 22,218 square feet, provides the ideal backdrop for creative events designed to foster connection. At over 7,700 square feet, its Harwood Ballroom can accommodate up to 480 people.

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District Hotel features 22 floors with 9 guest suites and 258 guest rooms that are spacious and beautifully designed to encourage relaxation and productivity. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the dynamic Dallas life, while in a tranquil oasis. With tailored catering options, resident restaurants, and a cafe market offering convenient dining, guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and curated menus—all without ever having to leave the hotel.

As major convention hubs in the heart of Downtown Dallas, these hotels are committed to delivering the highest standards of hospitality, catering to the growing demand for large-scale events, conferences, and trade shows. Dallas Downtown Connection aims to attract more conventions to the city, enhancing Dallas’ reputation as a vibrant business destination. Whether attending a convention or simply exploring the rich culture of downtown Dallas, visitors will experience seamless service, premium accommodations, and a dynamic environment to make their stay in this vibrant city truly exceptional.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201. For images, please view the Digital Media Kit. For more information, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at SheratonDallasSales@Sheraton.com.

Dallas Marriott Downtown is located at 650 N Pearl St, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com/Daldt/. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at Carson.Honeycutt@Marriott.com.

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is located at 800 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com/Dalja/. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at Sarah.Florsheim@Marriott.com.

About Sheraton Dallas Hotel: 

The Sheraton Dallas Hotel is an urban downtown Dallas destination located only steps away from the city’s vibrant arts and business districts, and adjacent to the DART rail line. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, guests of the Sheraton Dallas can experience the culture, sports centers, entertainment, shopping and dining options that have made Dallas a world-renowned destination. It is the 2nd largest Sheraton Hotel in the world, featuring 1,841 guest rooms and over 230,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel combines form, function and style to host a video conference for 10 or a gala for 5,000. For more information about the Sheraton Dallas, or to make a reservation, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Sheraton hotel worldwide can be made by visiting www.marriott.com/sheraton.

About Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts 

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 430 hotels and resorts in nearly 75 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. 

About Marriott Hotels® 

With over 590 hotels and resorts in more than 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, helping to relax, clear minds, stimulate new ideas, and anticipate travelers’ needs, leaving them inspired to reach their full potential. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevate style & design and technology. To learn more, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT JW MARRIOTT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The first hotel under the JW Marriott flag in the city of Dallas, JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is located in the center of the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the United States featuring multiple world-class museums, performance halls, and significant architecture. The hotel features three food and beverage outlets including 800 North, a ground-level coffee and cocktail bar; Margaret’s, a three meal farm-to-table concept with contemporary American menu; and Vincent’s, the 11th floor outdoor lounge with wrap-around views of the downtown skyline offering seasonal handcrafted cocktails. Business meets pleasure with over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and 267 guest rooms featuring mid-century modern design with elements inspired by the fine arts that surround the property on every side. Days may be spent enjoying the sunshine on the 11th floor mid air pool, and evenings spent on short strolls to Arts District landmarks. For more information, call 214-347-9499 or visit jwmarriottdallasartsdistrict.com.

ABOUT JW MARRIOTT

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

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