Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick McElroy.
Patrick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up on a beautiful barrier island on the southern coast of New Jersey; Avalon became the starting point in my career. Having access to the freshest caught seafood just miles off the coast was so invigorating and awe-inspiring that it became a pastime for me. Digging up fresh clams from the Back Bay with just a rake and a grill is about as close to fresh as you can get. The fresh fruits and produce that are harvested are what give its namesake “The Garden State”.
As did most kids growing up on an island, I had a summer job that I returned to yearly from the age of 12 throughout my teen years. This place was a seasonal takeout/fresh fish market that taught me the meaning of a dollar. As expected, I began as dishwasher and in each subsequent year, I took on new challenges – prep cook, steamer station, fry cook, broiler station and front clerk – advising seasonal customers on what to purchase, quantities and preparation techniques. This seasonal job was paramount to my career and gave me a focus that was just beginning to manifest itself as the foundation of my culinary career.
I later moved on to other scratch kitchens in and around the South Jersey and Philadelphia suburbs where I finally achieved my first Sous Chef appointment at Winfield’s restaurant in Millville, New Jersey. After a number of years working as a Sous Chef in New Jersey, I decided to take my career to Dallas and try my hand in the Corporate arena. I found myself appointed as the Chef de Cuisine of the Hyatt Regency DFW where I took on a number of roles including Banquet Chef and Executive Sous Chef during my seven year stint. In pursuit of my first Executive Chef appointment, I accepted the position with the Hilton Park cities.
Always looking for a new challenge, I was approached about coming to the Warwick Melrose and it was something that I just could not turn down. Warwick Melrose is truly a wonderful hotel that is celebrated not only for its timeless charm and elegance but its importance to the community and freedom to express our creativity in new and inventive ways.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with most if not all careers, there will always be challenges and my story is no different. Being a chef is very competitive and his both physically and mentally challenging. Working long hours, missing nearly all important events in your life and your family’s, as well as doing everything you can to stay relevant in an ever-changing gastronomic climate all adds to the stress of my chosen path.
The fortunate thing is that if you can endure all of these opportunities for growth, you come out on the other side reinvigorated and with a renewed passion. I have received tough love and guidance from many chefs in my career and now it is my responsibility to foster and embrace the tradition.
Please tell us about Warwick Melrose.
With a single step inside the historic landmark Warwick Melrose – Dallas, guests know what it means to be in the right place at the right time. Warwick Melrose Dallas’s uniquely Texan charm features a new, fashionable brand of comfort.
Built in 1924, on farmland originally owned by American Civil War veteran, Confederate Col. George Mellersh, and designed by Chicago architect C.D. Hill in the classic Sullivanesque Chicago style. The Melrose Court Apartment Hotel opened in late 1924, and quickly became known for its elegant atmosphere and gracious hospitality.
The red brick and flat roof of Warwick Melrose – Dallas has stood as testament to an age of stately grandeur while the city has continued to grow outside its doors. Located near the Uptown, Oak Lawn and Turtle Creek areas, the ultimate hotel experience means enjoying Uptown Dallas to the fullest in an intimate and personable way.
Few hotels reach landmark status, but Warwick Melrose – Dallas more than qualifies in part thanks to 184 well-appointed guest rooms, 21 spacious suites and one unparalleled Presidential Suite. Many of the rooms feature stunning views of the city of Dallas, but all accommodations exude an old world elegance, superior levels of comfort and a distinctive style.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am quite honestly happy with how everything has turned out. Are there little things here and there I would have changed in the moment? For sure… but from an aerial view, I have accomplished quite a bit so far. I had milestones in my life that have continued to inspire and drive me and in that context, I think the bumps in the road are all just a part of the journey and should be seen as such.
Contact Info:
- Address: Warwick Melrose – Dallas
3015 Oak Lawn Ave.,
Dallas, TX 75219 - Website: www.warwickhotels.com/dallas
- Phone: 214.521.5151
- Email: sales.dallas@warwickhotels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warwickmelrose/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warwickdallas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WarwickMelrose
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