The No. 1 food show on cable checks into the Hilton kitchen this summer as Hilton Hotels partners with BRAVO’s Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series, Top Chef D.C.

The hit show’s millions of viewers will see a Hilton-specific challenge, Hilton global culinary travel packages gifted to winning chef’testants throughout the season, an international Hilton location featured in the finale episodes and a guest judge appearance by Beth Scott, Vice President of Restaurant Concepts for Full-Service Brands, Hilton Worldwide. In addition to the Hilton brand’s larger presence throughout the seventh season, premiering Wednesday, June 16 at 9/8c on BRAVO, Washington Hilton opens its doors to the 17 chef’testants as home of the new Top Chef Kitchen.

“This is an exciting partnership that pairs Hilton, the culinary leader in hospitality, with the number one U.S. food show on cable,” said Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels brand. “With this synergy, we are perfectly primed to share our rich culinary heritage and the contemporary leadership of our brand in the food and beverage space in the countries we serve around the globe. Hilton has long served as the launching ground for many great chefs and we’re excited to serve as the stage for up-and-coming talent.”

With more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries across six continents, Hilton caters to discerning palettes from around the world. As an iconic hospitality brand, the Hilton brand’s international footprint is responsible for many culinary “firsts,” from the invention of the Pina Colada at Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico to the American brownie at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. Today, Hilton chefs represent countless accolades and the Hilton portfolio includes award-winning restaurants worldwide such as Michelin star rated Galvin At Windows (London Hilton on Park Lane), Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence recipient, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops (Hilton Seattle Airport) and, AAA four-diamond recognized Bali Steak & Seafood Restaurant (Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa) and Orchids at Palm Court (Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza).

Following its recent $150 million renovation, Washington Hilton sets the stage for culinary battle as the location of season seven’s Top Chef Kitchen. The comprehensive restoration of the property included a makeover of all 1,070 guestrooms, meeting rooms and function spaces, the lobby, restaurants and all public areas. Washington Hilton has long been the site of such prestigious events as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the First Lady’s Luncheon, the National Prayer Breakfast and is the only D.C. area hotel to consistently host an official Inaugural Ball.

To further engage Top Chef D.C. viewers and Hilton guests, Hilton Hotels launched www.hiltontopchef.com. Visitors to the website will be invited to enter “The Hilton Culinary Getaway” sweepstakes for a chance to win a culinary getaway to Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona in Spain. Along with dedicated sections for viewers to check out the goings on in Top Chef D.C., the site enables visitors to explore the Hilton brand’s culinary legacy. From “Hilton Firsts” recipe cards and information on “Hilton Signature Chefs” to a Hilton Culinary Map, culinary enthusiasts will delight in an array of user-friendly information and resources. “Hilton Signature Chefs” sharing recipes, personal stories and culinary tips include:

• Chef Jeffrey Vigilla, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa (Honolulu, Hawaii)
• Chef Stephen Henry, The Palmer House Hilton (Chicago, Ill.)
• Chef Todd Kelly, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Chef Patrick Dahms, Hilton San Diego Bayfront (San Diego, Calif.)
• Chef Carissa Ciacalone, Hilton San Diego Bayfront (San Diego, Calif.)
• Chef Andre Cote, Hilton Washington (Washington, D.C.)

Additionally, these Hilton Signature Chefs will be featured alongside free Top Chef D.C. episodes on Hilton in-room television channels. Hilton will also distribute one million limited edition Hilton/ Top Chef D.C. key cards at its properties in the U.S. and engage viewers and guests through its official social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Hilton), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HiltonOnline) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/Hilton)/.

For more information about this partnership, visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com.

Terms and Conditions

Begins 12:01am Eastern Daylight Time (“EDT”) on June 16, 2010 and 11:59pm EDT on September 15, 2010. No Purchase Necessary. The Hilton Culinary Getaway Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who have reached the age of majority in their State or District of residence and who are Hilton HHonors members at time of entry. Full terms and conditions available at www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels

Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 592,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.

For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com

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