A Feast for Foodies: Americans Place Their Order for Trendy New Menu Options at Hilton Garden Inn

With all the votes counted, "Sophisticated Bites" contest yields three tasty new items that reflect an emerging food and beverage renaissance for today's travelers

America has spoken – more than a quarter of a million times. And with all the votes tallied, three new and delicious on-trend items are being added to the tantalizing dining menu this fall at Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton's HLT award-winning, global, upscale brand of hotels.

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Actor and director Judy Greer and celebrity chef Dan Churchill hosted the Hilton Garden Inn Sophisticated Bites exclusive first taste event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 22nd. (Photo: Getty Images)

Earlier this summer, consumers were asked to vote on 11 contenders in the "Sophisticated Bites" contest in the categories of small plates, handcrafted cocktails and sweet treats. The winning fan favorites are:

• Sticky Finger Ribs – Bib alert! These low and slow baby back ribs, with whiskey-soy barbecue sauce, crispy onion and scallions, are a lip-smacking delight. (Small Plates category)
• Cherry Blossom – An homage to the craft cocktail movement, it's a tempting blend of Hornitos Reposado Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and grenadine. (Handcrafted Cocktails category)
• Mason Jar Chocolate Fudge Cake – Taking a "cheat" day? Give your spoon-arm a workout by digging into layers of decadent chocolate cake and rich chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. (Sweet Treats category)

Award-winning actor, director and Hilton Garden Inn spokesperson Judy Greer, along with celebrity chef Dan Churchill, host of Genius Kitchen's "Feast with Friends," revealed the food and beverage winners at a menu tasting event last night at Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown.

"The voters made three outstanding menu choices that reflect the culinary trends and options that are important to today's modern traveler," said Chef Churchill, who helped launch the campaign in June during Summer Squad Live, a Food Network Facebook Live event that has garnered more than 5.6 million views and 5,000 shares to date. "I know guests will find the new menu items to be delightful additions to the brand's eclectic menu, which continues to resonate with consumers."

Added Greer: "My taste buds are on high alert every time I enter a Hilton Garden Inn, and these trendy new menu items are a dream for a foodie like me! I travel all the time, and I really appreciate that Hilton Garden Inn gives its guests the simple things they need to unwind – superb hospitality and deliciously amazing food."

The online Sophisticated Bites contest was part of an ongoing evolution of the Hilton Garden Inn menu, an extension of its 2017 global brand refresh focusing on dining updates, new regional hotel prototypes and brand culture enhancements.

Other key food and beverage additions include Welcome Bites, a delicious, bite-sized, cranberry apple oatmeal cookie offered to guests at check-in in the U.S. and Canada; a new, open-display kitchen for signature cooked-to-order breakfast dishes; and a more social setting for restaurant and bar service. The latter includes a comprehensive array of handcrafted cocktails complemented by small plates, dinner entrees and shareable desserts – all of which are freshly prepared.

"The overwhelming response to our Sophisticated Bites program shows that consumers want convenient and flavorful options, especially when traveling," said John Greenleaf, global head, Hilton Garden Inn. "As a longtime food and beverage trend-setter in the upscale hotel category, we are at the forefront of a culinary renaissance in the hospitality industry, and we can't wait to bring these three new items to our guests around the country."

Hilton Garden Inn offers upscale, light and airy hotels featuring modern guest rooms perfect for work and comfort. Guests may unwind in a relaxing social setting, enjoying handcrafted cocktails; varietal wines and craft beers*; small plates; dinner entrees and shareable desserts. The Shop, a 24-hour, grab-and-go retail space, provides a mix of healthy, indulgent and locally-sourced fresh foods.

All Hilton Garden Inn hotels are part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 14 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

For more information about the Hilton Garden Inn Sophisticated Bites program, including links to the Sophisticated Bites videos featuring our new menu items, please visit our online Newsroom. For more information on Hilton Garden Inn, please visit www.hgi.com.

*Service of alcohol subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

About Hilton Garden Inn

The award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand provides business and leisure guests upscale, yet affordable accommodations and modern amenities for a comfortable stay. The Hilton Garden Inn Promise affirms the brand's goal to make each Guest's stay better and brighter. Guaranteed. Team Members at nearly 790 hotels in 38 countries around the world ensure today's busy travelers have a bright and satisfying experience, starting with the first hello. As a recognized F&B leader, Hilton Garden Inn serves locally sourced food and beverage at its full-service restaurants and bars, featuring everything from cooked-to-order breakfast, handcrafted cocktails, and on-trend small plates. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. For more information about Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.hgi.com or newsroom.hilton.com/hgi, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Hilton

Hilton HLT is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more than 5,400 properties with nearly 880,000 rooms, in 106 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world's most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time. The company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else, and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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