GAITHERSBURG, MD -- (Marketwire) -- 03/13/13 -- One part creativity and one part diligence, it takes real culinary know-how to craft a signature menu that will be the hallmark of a new restaurant in Gaithersburg at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, destined to become a favorite place to gather, eat and drink in Gaithersburg, Md.

Executive Chef Aaron Tootill has spent the last three months formulating, cooking and tasting in preparation for the April opening of The Bench, a kitchen, lounge and lakeside patio that is part of the dynamic Marriott Greatroom taking shape at the hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland at the thriving Rio Washingtonian Center shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Iconic American cuisine infused with modern attitude and matched with stylish, adaptable furnishings and state-of-the-art technology will allow guests to connect, collaborate, work and play in the new sports and media-activated restaurant.

Developing a new menu is a daunting process, but one he relishes. "It's like an episode of Chopped. We start with about 100 ideas, then narrow them to 20," says Tootill, who has worked with Marriott Hotels & Resorts for more than a decade. "It takes a lot of tweaking, including multiple tastings and input from corporate chefs."

Tootill finds inspiration everywhere, from childhood memories of helping his grandmother make cherished Polish recipes to more recent experience as executive chef opening the popular Fire & Sage restaurant at Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, D.C. His passion for regional ingredients and enthusiasm for home brewing are evident in The Bench's signature roasted yellow pepper and crab soup, Flying Dog Pale Ale battered fish n' chips and local craft beers on tap.

The full menu will be unveiled in April when The Bench begins to welcome guests for productive business lunches, romantic dinners and refreshing cocktails hours. The Bench is located at 9751 Washingtonian Boulevard at Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, one of more than 500 Marriott Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide. Visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waswg-gaithersburg-marriott-washingtonian-center/ for more information or call 301-590-0044. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GaithersburgMarriott and follow us on Twitter, @MarriottGWC.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand. Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Marriott.

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