New Grill Room General Manager and Sommelier at The Windsor Court Team

22.05.2024 - 12:04 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou

Kristina Samples is appointed as the General Manager of The Grill Room at Windsor Court. New Sommelier of The Grill Room is Eric De Santis.

NEW ORLEANS – The Windsor Court, an elegant escape in the heart of a legendary city, announce new General Manager of The Grill Room, Kristina Samples. Touting a long history and deep connections in the New Orleans food & beverage scene, Samples brings strong leadership and community ties to the fine dining experience of The Grill Room.

Starting as a server who worked her way up through various positions in New Orleans establishments, ultimately landing as General Manager, Samples discovered early in her career a passion for hospitality and working with a team to deliver a high level of service. Understanding the intricacies of successful restaurants from procurement, inventory management, recruitment and menu development to quality assurance, service standards maintenance, marketing and establishment of training protocols for associates, Samples also puts forth a strong value in cultivating relationships with restaurant patrons.

“We are thrilled to have Kristina join our team and excited to see her lead The Grill Room. She will be awon derful asset to The Windsor Court overall,” says The Windsor Court General Manager, Ralph Mahana.

Regarded as one of New Orleans’ ultimate fine dining destinations, The Grill Room at The Windsor Court combines elegance, an intimate ambiance and unparalleled service and the most extensive wine collection in the city, while showcasing the talents of Chef de Cuisine Alexander Kuzin and Executive Chef Vlad Kogan. Overlooking the courtyard through floor-to-ceiling windows, The Grill Room presents modern American cuisine in the Crescent City blending the highest quality ingredients seasonally with innovative techniques and presentations.

“I am honored to be a part of The Grill Room team. This restaurant is long known for delivering exceptional and memorable culinary experiences consistently, and I am so happy to add even more to that experience,” says Grill Room General Manager, Kristina Samples.

Also, The Windsor Court announced new Sommelier of The Grill Room, Eric De Santis. De Santis will oversee the wine service training of associates across all outlets at The Windsor Court, managing the wine list and cellar in The Grill Room, while engaging with guests about the extensive wine program.

“Eric spent the last 12 years managing the service and wine programs at Justine, Trenasse and Commander’s Palace. He is a great addition to our Grill Room team and The Windsor Court overall,” says Ralph Mahana. “The wine collection and general wine appreciation within The Grill Room and among its patrons, is the best in the city, and I am honored to