View *17 Restaurant at the Alden Hotel Launches Innovative,
Interactive iPad Digital Sommelier
Interactive iPad Digital Sommelier
HOUSTON (April 11, 2011) - The award-winning *17 Restaurant at the Alden Hotel, known for its modern American cuisine and unmistakable retro glamour décor, is launching an innovative on-premise iPad wine and beverage list, announced *17 Restaurant General Manager Patrick Dorrian.
The newly designed iPad sommelier is an innovative tool that can be used in both the restaurant and bar areas of the Alden Hotel. Replacing the standard leather bound wine list typically used at most fine dining establishments, guests will now be given a digital menu to explore, which will enhance the overall dining experience while staying true to the trend forward motif emerging inside the venue.
The interactive features will allow guests to peruse the entire wine portfolio offered at *17 through a variety of search options such as varietals, vintages, regions, and prices. It will also include specialty cocktail and beer selections as well as showcase up-to-date information on current restaurant features, upcoming events and wine dinners. Guests are also able to sign up for Alden's newsletter and email announcements directly on the iPad.
Vibrant, high-definition, color photos of wine labels and wine makers will be displayed with each selection to give additional insight on the wine, its flavor, and suggested pairings to compliment dishes prepared by the extraordinary *17 culinary team.
The goal is to provide guests with enough information to make an informed wine selection at their table without feeling overwhelmed.
"Wine can be intimidating to some people, which can hinder their experience when dining out. In an effort to eliminate that issue we created a personalized digital sommelier at their fingertips. We are excited that *17 at the Alden will be the first to implement this cutting edge technology in the Houston market," said Dorrian. "We pride ourselves on being innovative industry leaders in both cuisine and customer service and this new tool is just one example of the dedication we have to our customers and our commitment to excellence."
The iPad wine list can only be used on premise, however the next phase of development will allow direct download for offsite iPad users.
