LONDON—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the launch of its first global children’s hotel menu designed by child food expert Annabel Karmel and award winning chef Theo Randall. The menu, which launches at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in early 2014, promises to take children through an exciting journey of food discovery.
Designed specifically for the young InterContinental guest, the menu will feature dishes which embrace flavours, textures, smells, and tastes that will take children on an educational voyage around the world while ensuring an enjoyable and nutritionally balanced meal.
“Children are naturally inquisitive, and grown-ups are often surprised by the flavours they enjoy,” said Karmel. “Sometimes it takes a little encouragement, and a holiday with the family can be a great opportunity to explore new and exciting foods.”
Karmel is best known for recipes that embody her passion for giving children the best start in life by inspiring families to cook nutritious meals that taste great. Few people also know that Karmel started working life as a musician and one of her early jobs was playing the harp at the InterContinental London Park Lane.
“My cooking philosophy is greatly influenced by my parents’ love for good food,” said Randall, Chef Patron of Theo Randall at the InterContinental. “Growing up, a memorable family holiday was always one with great food experiences. I’ve found that I learn quickest about different cultures and cities through the flavours of cuisines at each destination I visit and this is something I hope to bring to life for the children who visit InterContinental restaurants around the globe.”
As part of the menu’s development, Karmel and Randall conducted a test and tasting session with young guests in October. The dishes proved a big hit and provided the culinary duo with additional insight into the dishes they will roll out as part of the final menu.
Simon Scoot, vice president global brands, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and IHG Global Resorts said: “A great dining experience is something our guests expect when staying with us—and we’re dedicated to innovating and delivering this across all our brands at IHG. For InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in particular, we understand our guests’ desire to give their children the best opportunities to learn about the world whilst having fun. Food is a great opportunity to do this.”
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts will roll out the new menu in January 2014 and it will be available in all properties globally by the end of June 2014.
