Transcending Fine Dining Into High Art, Yann Bernard Lejard Named as New Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Luxury Beachfront Resort

Lejard will oversee the full menu creation and operations of the culinary division, including 130 chefs, 11 restaurants, in-room dining, and banquet catering 

Daring, unique, playful are just a few words that come top of mind when experiencing one of Chef Yann Lejard'ssignature dishes. Like a modern-day disruptor turning the simplicities of food into plated works of our art, his talents have taken him across Europe, into major Michelin Star restaurants, before arriving to the region, first in Saudi and then to the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2014 where he assumed the role of Chef de Cuisine for the award-winning Plumsrestaurant. Proving his leadership with a promotion to Executive Sous Chef in 2016, in his new role as Executive Chef of the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Lejard will oversee a culinary team of 130 chefs, along with the menu creation and kitchen operations of the resort's 11 restaurants, in-room dining and banquet catering divisions.

Born in Paris, France, Lejard began expressing himself through street art, taking inspiration from the likes of modern art legend Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). Eventually becoming a chef by the age of 16, it was then where he found food to be a catalyst for artistic expression and where his signature, abstract style of 'splattering' sauce on a plate was born. Fast forward to the era of social media, Lejard's accounts @YBLinc have since amassed a foodie cultist following of 120k fans, and those who can't wait to see what he does next.

"He is a master of art and a disruptor in the food scene with a following of admirers on social media to back it up. He, as well, has the creativity and mastery to take our large dining portfolio to pure excellence. His hands on leadership and mentorship of the entire Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain kitchen brigade has been superb, so it was a natural choice to promote him to the next level," says Bernard de Villèle , General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

Before joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C, Lejard held culinary positions in major Michelin Star restaurants, including working as a Chef Saucier for notable names like Heinz Winkler in Germany and Peter Knogl in Switzerland, as well as leading international hotels across 20 countries. After stints across Europe, his career eventually lead him to Jeddah where he served as the Executive Chef for Glow restaurant and where he became the first chef ever in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to become ranked by the award-winning luxury lifestyle and food magazine, FOUR UK.

In addition to being frequently tapped as a guest chef for Master Classes and pop-up restaurants throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, he has also been a finalist at Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire in Switzerland, along with a ranking in the notable Gault & Millau restaurant guide, amongst many more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is located in the Al Seef district in Manama, Bahrain. For additional information, or to reserve your stay or dining experience, please call (800)00995, the hotel directly at (+973)1758-0000, or visit The Ritz-Carlton website at ritzcarlton.com/bahrain. Follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram @ritzcarltonbahrain and join the conversation using #RCMemories #RitzCarltonBahrain.  

About The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Set within 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches on the Gulf of Arabia, the 245-room five-star city resort is one of the most elegant destinations in Bahrain, and a place where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy extraordinary cuisine and explore the dazzling capital city of Manama, adding yet another level of indulgence to a collective range of extraordinary experiences. In addition to the Deluxe room categories, the resort also features 31 suites and 42 Club Level rooms as well as 23 well-appointed, seafront villas, each with three-bedrooms, its own private infinity pool, private beach access and 24-hour butler service.

Catering to the most discerning epicurean connoisseur, the resort offers both modern and international dining experiences with its award-winning restaurants, including: Cantina Kahlo (Mexican), Nirvana (Indian), Plums (Steakhouse), La Plage and Bar de Plage (Beach cafe), Thai (Asian Fusion and Sushi), La Med (Mediterranean) and Primavera (Italian). For leisurely dining moments or for afternoon tea, The Lobby Lounge and the Ritz Gourmet Lounge offer guests à la carte café and dessert options, while Burlington Club entertains a more sophisticated ambiance perfect for enjoying vintage spirits, premium cigars, modern cocktails (and mocktails) and light bites. In-room dining is also available to guests' 24hours a day.

A variety of guest amenities abound with a private beach sweeping around a lagoon with its own island, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, an award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa, Royal Beach Club, elevated Ritz-Carlton  Club® Level lounge with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, newly enhanced marina, 24-hour fitness center, paddle boarding and kayaking rentals, Ritz Kids clubhouse, tennis and squash courts, business center, flamingo lagoon, Concierge desk with Les Clefs d'Or® Head Concierge, men's and women's hair salon, and shopping arcade with six luxury boutiques. In addition to the leisure setting, the resort also features over 20,000 square meters of meeting, conference and wedding spaces. New additions to the venue portfolio include the Masaya and Arena pavilions'. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, please call (800)-00995, the hotel directly at (+973)-1758-0000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton website at ritzcarlton.com/Bahrain.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD, currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories. More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to offer The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc.

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