When working on assignment for MGM Resort’s Beau Rivage. I had the pleasure to meet and work someone I consider to a be a legend in the Culinary World. He name is Chef Joseph Friel, originally from Ireland he had spent years working in NYC and Las Vegas and was now the Executive Chef over the 7 upscale Restaurants at the resort.
He directed what I considered the best group of chefs I’ve ever worked with. It was the first time that I was able to shoot food and beverage photography with out a food stylist and feel proud to include it my food portfolio of food styled by top professional stylists.
Chef Joe, as he was know, had cooked for some of the top entertainers in the country and was on a first name basis with people such as Tony Bennett. He was a fiery Irish guy, quick with the wit and the demands. Someone you never forget working with. Even gave me tips on where to eat in Venice, Italy.
I also had the pleasure working with Stephane Hainaut their Director of Fine Dining Restaurants, originally from Paris where he worked as a Maitre’D at Guy Savoy and some of the top restaurants in NYC and Miami. He’s now the Director of Food and Beverage at the New MGM National Harbor. One shoot in particular we accomplished what would have taken a food stylist a week to accomplish in 2 days.
All the great hospitality, lifestyle and food shots I’ve shot for MGM Resorts were made possible by a very talented Art Director, How Robinson who has been a great friend and a valuable employee to MGM Resorts and Mary Caracciolo a very special Public Relations Director.