MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach appoints Conny Andersson as executive chef

The former Hollywood third generation culinary master has more than three decades of experience.

“Culinary school was a dream coming true as I was able to devote my passion for excellent food into my practical training,” said Conny. “Since then I have travelled extensively and have never stopped learning. The countries I visit, the cultures, ingredients and the people all help to build my experiences and act as inspiration for new imaginative dishes and Vietnam will be no exception.

My philosophy on cooking has always been ‘know your foods, respect your ingredients, let nature do most of the work, simple clean approach and keep things living’.

Working at the MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach and more specifically, living in Vietnam, will certainly give me the inspiration to match my enthusiasm for serving up creative culinary delights to our guests.”

Conny joins MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach after a long career with Four Seasons in the Beverly Hills, California area where he led the banquet teams for private Academy Awards and Grammy parties. Conny is not shy of the limelight.  After contributing to Morgan Freeman’s book “Morgan Freeman & Friends: Caribbean Cooking for a Cause,” Conny was seen cooking alongside the actor on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The View.

Conny has long held a commitment to lending his time to a number of culinary organisations around the world, a passion which he will continue here in Vietnam.

“We are thrilled to have Conny on board for our amazing Ho Tram development,” said John Webb, vice president and hotel general manager of MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach.

“Our opening date is inching ever closer and with Conny taking the reins of our kitchens we are ever confident that we will be serving some delectable dishes alongside our own special brand of energy, excitement and entertainment,” he added.

When MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach opens its doors in 2013, guests will discover Vietnam’s first fully integrated luxury resort and entertainment destination. The stunning property design features 541 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a state of the art conference and convention center, world-class restaurants, a lavish spa, a thrilling upscale nightclub, unique entertainment concepts and exciting activities.  

The second phase, which was started in October 2012, will incorporate a new tower containing 559 additional guest rooms. When complete, MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach will comprise 1,100 five star hotel rooms, including suites and villas.

The MGM Grand Ho Tram Beach represents the first of five five-star resorts that will ultimately comprise the Ho Tram Strip, currently being developed by Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd under its wholly owned Vietnamese subsidiary Ho Tram Project Company Limited (HTP). MGM Hospitality is appointed by HTP under a management agreement which sees it function as the operator of the first of these resorts.