InDELible Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 13

H DELectable awaii’s King Kalākaua was fêted back in 1890; one thousand guests in formal black tie dined and danced the night away at a Crown Room soiree honoring Edward, Prince of Wales; and Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight was celebrated Del-style with a lavish banquet and a rib-tickling roast from Will Rogers. There have been clambakes on the beach, centennial celebrations, concerts by the sea and countless weddings on Windsor Lawn. For over 131 years, The Del has hosted epic events and peerless parties. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at parties of the past and the people who stage the scene. Meet Stefan Peroutka Executive Chef A native of Austria, Chef Stefan Peroutka has traveled and cooked around the globe. Classically trained at the Salzburg Hospitality and Culinary School, he earned his chops as executive sous chef of Michelin-starred Aureole restaurant at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. After serving as executive banquet chef of The Venetian and The Palazzo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, he landed at the legendary Del. He oversees a team of 200, managing operations for all on-property restaurants, banquet and catering events, food and wine purchasing, dining presentation and service, and more. How does The Del’s setting influence you? Being so close to the ocean and the border brings such great influences like succulent seafood and Baja flair. Being connected to so many great farms makes it easy to write the menus as we use local seasonal products as much as we can. It’s really nice to work as a chef here. Tell us about the private chef dinners at Beach Village:  It’s a unique experience with a personal touch in a very intimate setting. We can custom tailor whatever food and drink you want for a dinner in your villa, on the beach or poolside. It’s great for proposals, anniversaries, family reunions and gatherings. Where do you get your inspiration? Personally, I travel a lot to Europe, places like Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria and Germany—and I am always researching on these trips. Next, I am going to Argentina to find some Latin influences to bring to our menus as there is a great food scene in Buenos Aires. Locally, I love checking out food festivals and traveling to Guadalupe Valley in Baja. 619.522.8100 | HOTELDEL.COM 13