(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Reed Groban, class of 1971, was found on the web)  7/12/08

Chef Reed Groban

Executive Chef Reed Groban has been with the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess since its debut in December 1987. Under his leadership, the resort’s restaurants have earned many highly coveted awards and accolades from across the country.

Chef Groban is quick to share these accolades with his 18 chefs and kitchen staff of more than 125, who thrive in the self-directed environment, which Groban has worked hard to create. The culinary brigade is trained to prepare a variety of cuisine for banquets of over 2,000 to an intimate gourmet dining experience in one of the resorts four restaurants.

Chef Groban’s passion for cooking, plus an admitted powerhouse of energy and drive, has propelled him along a very interesting culinary fast track. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, his culinary career has taken him from the mid-west, to the south, to the east coast, and finally to Arizona. Along the way Groban has prepared a variety of ethnic cuisine in different settings.

Groban takes a unique and committed approach to regional cuisine by traveling to an area to study the culture and traditions that form the foundation of that cuisine. At The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, regular trips to Mexico ensure the Mexican cuisine remains authentic and trend setting. Chef Groban’s journeys to Catalan, a region in Spain, as well as the French and Italian Rivieras helped formulate the menus for the award winning Marquesa restaurant. As well, regular travelling throughout the United States enhances The Grill and LV Bistro’s dining experiences with contemporary American favorites.

Marquesa, the signature restaurant of The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, is one of only two AAA Five-Diamond restaurants in Arizona. Marquesa has also been awarded the Mobil Four Star Award and has appeared in Gourmet magazine’s “Best American Tables” listing. La Hacienda, the resort’s turn-of-the-century Mexican ranch house, is one of only two authentic Mexican restaurants in North America to garner both the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award. The Grill, a contemporary steak and seafood restaurant, was also recently voted as “Best Steak House,” in Phoenix/Scottsdale, as well as recognized one of the “12 Best Steak Houses in North America,” by food critic John Mariani.

Groban has gained much recognition during his career, including honors from the American Culinary Federation, Johnston & Wales University, College of Culinary Arts, the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame and a two-time guest chef at the James Beard House in New York. Guest chef spots on major network television shows and publicity in print media also include; “Food Nation with Bobby Flay,”“Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” “Today Show,” New York Times, USA Today, Conde’ Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Wine Spectator, and Esquire.

One of Chef Groban’s favorite creations is his “Flavors of the Scottsdale Princess” cooking class series and bottled products. By popular demand, Chef Groban has created and packaged “Flavors” of The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for guests to enjoy at home. The Flavors Collection includes four salsas, three hot sauces, two jellies, one syrup, three seasoning blends and one queso.

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