Executive Chef Hugo Gomez Joints Sam Houston Race Park

Contact: Gina Rotolo

Sam Houston Race Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008

EXECUTIVE CHEF HUGO GOMEZ JOINS

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Hotel Culinary Star to Infuse New Flavors, Signature Dishes for The Park’s

Restaurants and Catering Program

HOUSTON (May 20, 2008)—Executive Chef Hugo Gomez has joined Sam Houston Race Park (www.shrp.com) taking over menu design and staff management for The Park’s two upscale dining establishments, the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the members-only Jockey Club Restaurant. In addition, Gomez will also be responsible for updating The Park’s catering program for private events, banquets and parties as well as the general food court areas on the Paddock & Club Levels.

“I am eager to bring my knowledge and skills to the culinary program at Sam Houston Race Park,” said Chef Gomez. “I look forward to working with the staff to create new menu items and signature dishes for both restaurants as well as enhancing catering menus for private events. We intend to provide a memorable dining experience for all our patrons and make our restaurants a dining destination for Houstonians and visitors.”

Gomez joins The Park after serving as Executive Chef for Hotel Derek, one of Houston’s top boutique hotels and the popular dining destination Bistro Moderne, which opened under his direction. Prior to Hotel Derek, Gomez served as Banquet Sous Chef for InterContinental Hotel and Banquet Kitchen Manager for the Hilton-Americas Hotel, the largest convention hotel in the city, where he specialized in designing and preparing menus for weddings, galas, large conferences and special events. Gomez received his culinary training from the Art Institute of Houston.

Gomez was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has lived and worked in several major cities including New York City, San Francisco, and Seoul, Korea. He lives in Houston with his wife Carrie and their 3-year old daughter, Alyse. He is active in giving back to the community, working with charitable organizations such as the Houston Food Bank and Children’s Fund, which helps to raise money annually for charitable purposes directed at assisting children.

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and entertainment facility, located 15 minutes from downtown, and offers a variety of attractions including 19 luxury suites overlooking the race track, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and Jockey Club. The Park will be home to nearly 40 concert events and more than 1000 functions in 2008. For more information, please visit www.shrp.com.

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