New chef brings some US knowhow to Vale Resort
AN EXECUTIVE chef, who has cooked for Snoop Dogg, James Blunt and Barbara and Jenna Bush, daughters of former US president George W Bush, has been appointed to oversee all restaurants and catering at the Vale Resort, including Hensol Castle.
Dean Milburn, 42, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, joins the resort after a decade of working in the catering industry in the United States, with a further eight years based in the UK. His preceding role was three years spent as senior head chef at the University of Bristol, where he catered for thousands of students and academic clients.
Mr Milburn said: “Cooking has always been a lifelong passion for me, whether in the US or the UK. I’m excited to be returning to my culinary strength and speciality, which is creating unique and seasonal food on a large scale for the hospitality industry.”
He added: “I’ve learnt so much about leading by example working in the US, especially during my time as an executive head chef at a high-end Italian in Washington DC.
“Having a team that trusts you, is motivated and is working with the best local producers available can result in incredible food experiences for guests.
“Wales is a perfect example of how local suppliers can transform a menu, and it’s by using these fantastic ingredients, just in a slightly revamped way, that will bring a new twist to the culinary offering across the Vale Resort.”
Paul Beddoe, sales and marketing director at the Vale Resort, said: “We’re pleased to inject some American enthusiasm and vitality in the form of Dean leading our gourmet offering across the entirety of the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle.
“We always want to be pushing culinary boundaries, so with Dean’s multi-cultured background, we hope that guests will enjoy his determined spirit and, most importantly, excellent food.”