Shanghai-based Entrepreneur Chef–Restaurateur Launches Consultancy - ‘David Laris Creates’

And a new Cook Book - ‘The Menu’

(Shanghai, December 10, 2008) – Entrepreneur chef David Laris, renowned for his award-winning Laris restaurant at the landmark lifestyle destination, Three On The Bund in Shanghai, and more recently for his restaurants and bars at Swire Hotels’ new flagship hotel The Opposite House in Beijing, has launched a new consultancy developing lifestyle food and beverage concepts in China and beyond.

‘David Laris Creates Limited’ (DLC) draws upon David’s extensive and high profile experience in his native Australia, London, Asia, and for the past five years, China, in conceptualizing, developing, opening and even operating F&B concepts.

His focus is on creating and developing ‘lifestyle’ concepts adaptable to both the Chinese market and international arena – from high end fine dining and second level restaurant concepts to exclusive clubs and bars, cafés, delicatessens and boutique retail food concepts.

Creative advice and analysis expertise covers every aspect of bringing an idea or concept to reality, from conceptual design and management, to strategic planning and budgeting, menu development, appointment of key staff, tabletop selection, uniforms, staff training, procurement, entertainment and marketing.

His entrepreneurial expertise in building innovative lifestyle brands has already attracted widespread acclaim in China since opening the renowned ‘fine dining contemporary experience’ Laris at acclaimed Three On The Bund Shanghai in 2004.

The multi-award winning restaurant was also one of only three restaurants in China voted on Condé Nast Traveler's "80 Hot Tables" of the world’s top new restaurants.

He subsequently opened the Chocolate Room, a high-end chocolate brand, and Slice, a gourmet café and delicatessen concept currently with multi-store locations.

His company has also provided consultancy services and research for a number of luxury brands seeking to expand their footprint in Shanghai. These include Dunhill and Dolce & Gabbana, for which it developed and managed the popular Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar on the Bund, as well as Barbie Shanghai (Mattel) and Axons Concepts, developers of design and lifestyle hub ‘1933 Shanghai’ in the Northern Bund district, where he is also planning to open his second high-end signature restaurant, a Steak House and retro cocktail bar.

Most recently as food & beverage consultant for five restaurants and bars at The Opposite House in Beijing, he has overseen the openings of signature Mediterranean Sureno, Asian restaurant Bei, a casual Village Café, cocktail and champagne bar MESH, late-night Club Punk, VIP dining rooms and a juice bar.

Of Australian-Greek heritage, David Laris served a classic French chef apprenticeship in Sydney, Australia.

David’s early career took him to some of the most successful restaurants across the Asia Pacific region namely the prestigious Edge Restaurant in Sydney, Mezzaluna at the Mandarin Oriental in Macau, BB's Brasserie in Hong Kong and The Press Club in Hanoi to name just a few.

He later shot to international fame in Britain, where he made numerous television appearances heading Mezzo in London, Sir Terence Conran’s flagship restaurant of world-renowned status.

His career most recently evolved into the realm of chef-restaurateur-entrepreneur in Shanghai riding on the success of his eponymous Shanghai restaurant.

With his trademark full-flavoured contemporary cuisine, championing fresh ingredients and innovative ethnic influences, his pioneering culinary concepts have helped spearhead Shanghai’s contemporary dining revolution.

“DLC is now a natural progression of my career, extending my consultancy even wider to wherever any investor with an interesting F&B idea or concept takes me,” he said.

“My specialty is now creating, building and developing strong identifiable brands.”

For more information, visit: www.davidlariscreates.com

News Flash!!

David Laris and Dean Brettschneider launch a new Cook Book ‘ The Menu’

Co-authored by David Laris and master baker and patissier Dean Brettschneider, The Menu is an inspiring collection of 15-five-course menus suitable for use in the modern home kitchen. Themes such as Celebrate, New Comfort Food and Contemporary Global Inspiration provide guidance and direction for putting together a sit-down function with family, friends or even work associates. Additional notes from David Laris on tableware, flowers, lighting , music and even conversation make this book an invaluable resource for the aspiring home cook and host. Now available in Singapore and from January in other Asian markets. For more information about availability, see: www.marshallcavendish.com or mkoh@davidlariscreates.com