From an Early age there was no doubt Chef Dalenberg was going to be a cook. Starting at the early age of eight in his mother’s bakery, Dalenberg was exposed to food in ways most chef’s would only dream of as a child. With a passion for locally grown foods of the freshest and finest pedigree, and an unwillingness to please, Chef Dalenberg has developed a cuisine that is simple, yet refined, but most of all delicious. With tenure at more than six of the country’s top hotels, including the Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and Snowmass Club in Aspen, Colorado, Michigan’s own Grand Hotel, and cooking experience at some of the country’s top restaurants, there is no doubt Dalenberg has attained the skills to wow diners at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. Chef Dalenberg was formally trained at the St. Clair Hospitality Academy and also received a Culinary Arts Degree from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Chef Dalenberg moved to Grand Rapids to celebrate Michigan’s bounty and to display that this state has truly great culinary experiences to be had.
As a professionally trained musician with a Bachelors of Music and an Associates of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from the Secchia Institute at GRCC, Chef Houthoofd has come to be quite the entertainer of palates for those people who enjoy functions and group events at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids. Chef Houthoofd has been with the JW since November 2007 and has since grown into his role by mastering every aspect of the JW Marriot Grand Rapids Kitchen. Chef Houthoofd has a great sense of flavors and cooking techniques to please even the largest crowds and most discerning gourmands. If there was one way to describe Chef Houthoofd’s food, it would be simply “ Music to your mouth!”
As a classically trained Pastry Chef with a degree from GRCC’s Secchia Institute, Chef Leonard has brought more than pastry perfection to the culinary tables of the JW Marriot Grand Rapids. Chef Leonard and her team of pastry cook’s produce all of the pastry and confections in house. With her skill, knowledge, and attention to detail, she creates some of the most amazing sweets and treats.
