JACKSON, MS (December 7, 2009) – Huntingtons Grille, adjacent to The Hilton Jackson, MS and long a favorite of state politicians and Jackson notables for Mississippi fine dining at its best, has retained celebrity Chef Luis Bruno to take the award-winning restaurant to a whole new level. Infused with his colorful personality and creativity, Chef Luis’ (pronounced “Loo-ey”) Latin flavors and Caribbean-inspired “ Bruno’s Eclectic” cuisine now top the menu of one of Jackson’s most celebrated dining spots.

Chef Luis – former Executive Chef for two Mississippi Governors’administrations – brings his passion for a wide assortment of food and fun and healthy eating fresh from farm to table to the new Huntingtons Grille. Meanwhile, his arrival as Huntingtons’ Director of Culinary Development has been widely anticipated, especially among his large following of Jackson residents.

“I’ll follow Chef Luis anywhere,” says Jackson’s HRH Jill Conner Browne, THE Sweet Potato Queen® and author of several New York Times® bestselling books. “I first met our most beloved Chef when he had his own restaurant here in Jackson and again during his tenure at the Governor’s Mansion, where the Sweet Potato Queens savored his oh-so-tasty creations.”

 Chef Cat Cora ,  America’s first female Iron  Chef and president of Chefs for Humanity, agrees.  “Cooking should be exciting, creative and delicious.  I work with chefs from around the country and have to say that my colleague, Chef Luis Bruno, does all the right things.  His cooking is all about what fine dining should be… and he’s just so much fun!”

Chef Luis’ focus is on a unique culinary experience that includes his special pinch of adventure, where guests can “Sip & Dine” on delectable, nutritious cuisine, accompanied by great service and value. From delicious soups and appetizers, the biggest and most flavorful salads anywhere, and signature entrees and desserts, Huntingtons’ new menu has been tossed up and lovingly inspired by Chef Luis.

Dazzlers include Banana Leaf Wrapped Buttered Snapper with Clams and Saffron Broth, Giant Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad with Sashimi Sesame Seared Tuna, Bruno’s Mini Taquitos, and Tembleque Spanish Coconut Pudding. In addition, Huntingtons serves up new citrus fusion specialty drinks such as perfectly blended Lemon-Lime Mojitos, and Mango or Pomegranate Margaritas.

New Wine Nights, Caribbean Cuisine and More
For the coming season, Chef Luis debuts featured and ongoing events, complete with live music and one of the region’s most extensive wine lists:

• Sip & Dine - Three courses perfectly paired with wine selections, $35 person and served on the patio, weather permitting (every night 5 to 10 p.m.).

• Friday Wine Night – Order any bottle of wine and receive an envelope to include 25%, 50%, 75% off or FREE (every Friday 6 to 10 p.m.).

• Chef's Wine Dinner – Monthly four-course dinner paired with wine selections, $45 per person (Jan. 28 th).

• Caribbean Night – Chef Luis’ four-course Caribbean dinner paired with tropical Bacardi cocktails, live salsa music by Cucho & Los Papis, $65 per person (Jan. 23 rd, 6 to 10 p.m.).

The Hilton Jackson also offers its classic “Christmas Dinners to Go.” To order, call 601-957-2800, ext. 7003.

Huntingtons Grille i s located 1001 E. County Line, Jackson, MS 39211. Among its numerous awards are the 2009 DiR ōNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) for its top quality and distinguished dining, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and America’s Top Restaurant from Wine Enthusiast magazine. For reservations, call 601-957-1515 or book online at www.opentable.com.

About Chef Luis Bruno
Good health is most important to Chef Luis, whose inspirational story includes maintaining a non-surgical weight loss of 200 pounds through exercise and healthy eating. In 2003, he weighed 400 pounds when health issues and uncontrolled diabetes forced him to close his celebrated restaurant when his doctor gave him just five years to live.  One year later and half his size, he had turned his life around and his weight-loss efforts melded perfectly with incumbent Governor Haley Barbour’s dedication to the health of Mississippi’s citizens. Bruno returned as Executive Chef at the Governor’s Mansion, where he remained until his appointment with the Hilton Jackson. For more information, visit www.chefluisbruno.com.

 Contact:
Janna Hughes
601-573-0221
janna@jannahughesadvertising.com