The nation’s premier organization of professional chefs recently honored Executive Chef William Reardon and Hartford’s own VIVO Seasonal Trattoria with the 2012 Achievement of Excellence Award during the American Culinary Federation’s 2012 National Convention held in Orlando, FL. VIVO, which is located at the Marriott Hartford Downtown in Hartford, CT, was one of only 11 restaurants nationwide honored with the award.
“It is a fantastic honor to be recognized by the American Culinary Federation in this way,” commented VIVO’s Executive Chef William Reardon. “It is a true testament to the exceptional dedication and strong work ethic of the VIVO team.”
The ACF’s Achievement of Excellence Award recognizes a foodservice establishment and its chef or kitchen manager for their commitment to excellence in foodservice. Criteria for the award includes being in operation for at least five consecutive years and a recommendation by an ACF chapter, member or individual in the foodservice profession. This year’s winners were announced during the 2012 ACF National Convention held July 14–17, with more than 1,000 chefs, cooks, students and foodservice professionals in attendance.
The Zagat-rated VIVO, which opened alongside the Marriott Hartford Downtown in August 2005, has received numerous awards and accolades in its seven years of operation. Recognitions include “Best Hotel Dining” awards from both Hartford Magazine and Connecticut Magazine, as well as numerous Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Executive Chef William Reardon has more than two decades of culinary experience. At 15 he began his culinary career at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant in Springfield, Mass., and then joined his family to run a small restaurant featuring American cuisine. Prior to joining the Marriott Hartford Downtown, he was Lead Cook at Hofbrauhaus, an upscale restaurant with classic French style service located in West Springfield, Mass, where he prepared classic Bavarian cuisine mixed with American regional specialties. Chef Reardon was awarded the Silver Medal For Tallow Sculpture by the American Culinary Federation in 2006 and has made numerous television appearances. During his five years with Marriott Hartford Downtown, beginning as Chef de’ Cuisine and recently becoming Executive Chef, Vivo Seasonal Trattoria has continued to receive annual awards from Wine Spectator, Zagat, Open Table and Best of Hartford. Reardon oversees all culinary operations at the Marriott Hartford Downtown to include banquets and operations of the restaurant. He received formal training at the Connecticut Culinary Institute.
Located at the intersection of 200 Columbus Boulevard and Grove Street in downtown Hartford, the Marriott Hartford Downtown is the anchor for the Connecticut Convention Center and a key destination in the state’s 33-acre Adriaen’s Landing enterprise of retail, entertainment and cultural venues and attractions. The Marriott Hartford Downtown has redefined Hartford as a premier business and travel destination, and plays a significant role in the revitalization of Hartford. Since opening its doors, VIVO Seasonal Trattoria prides itself on serving only the finest in market-fresh, seasonal ingredients with a refreshingly creative Napa Valley style, incorporating an inspired selection of dishes infused with simple, contemporary Mediterranean flavors on its menu.
