Marcus Samuelsson To Operate Signature Restaurant at Affinia Chicago

Denihan Hospitality Group has signed an agreement with Townhouse Restaurant Group, owner and operators of Marcus Samuelsson's acclaimed Aquavit Restaurant, among others, to operate a signature restaurant at the Affinia Chicago. Under the direction of Executive Chef/co-founder, Marcus Samuelsson and co-founder/president, Håkan Swahn, Townhouse will develop a new concept for a early 2008 opening, which marks the pair's first new concept restaurant outside of New York, following the opening of Aquavit established in 1987. It will seat up to 110 guests and serve all meal periods, an adjacent bar will serve afternoon and evening cocktails.

The restaurateurs will also oversee all food and beverage operations at the Affinia Chicago, including room service and banqueting as well as catering for a 3000 sq. ft. roof-top venue.

'We are delighted to partner with a chef of Marcus' extraordinary talent,' said Patrick Denihan, co-CEO of DHG. 'His ingredient-driven culinary style and commitment to sourcing seasonal, local produce are a perfect complement to Affinia's lifestyle-focused approach.'

The youngest chef to ever receive a three-star review in the New York Times, Samuelsson is best known for his innovative interpretations of classic Scandinavian cuisine. Among his myriad awards and accolades, he has been named 'Best Chef: New York City' from the James Beard Foundation and was celebrated as one of 'The Great Chefs of America' by The Culinary Institute of America.

Located at 166 East Superior Street near the Hancock Observatory, Art Institute of Chicago, the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, the Affinia Chicago (formerly the Fitzpatrick Hotel) is currently undergoing a $20 million-plus renovation that, when completed this fall, will introduce the same thoughtful Affinia brand services and standards. The hotel will feature 216 guest rooms, 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and brand signature amenities such as the custom-designed Affinia bed, pillow menu, Aveda bath products and Jet Set Pets Program.

In addition, DHG was recently named the management company for LaSalle Hotel Properties' Capitol Hill area hotel in Washington, D.C. Following extensive renovation, the 343-room hotel will debut in spring 2008 under the Affinia brand umbrella.

With a half-century of hospitality management expertise, the privately-owned Denihan Hospitality Group operates two brands: Affinia Hotels and The Benjamin. Affinia Hotels offers an array of hotel options to suit particular lifestyle and travel preferences in prime locations in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C., and includes the Affinia Dumont, the Affinia 50, the Affinia Gardens, the Affinia Manhattan, and the Affinia Chicago. The Affinia Shelburne will make its debut in the fall of 2007. The Benjamin provides an experience of true luxury with the highest level of service in an intimate, boutique-style setting.

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