COTRELL NAMED EXECUTIVE CHEF OF M - 9/15/10

New chef rises through Cameron Mitchell Restaurants to lead company’s marquee restaurant

M, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) marquee restaurant, has named Jay Cotrell, a 15-year veteran of the restaurant business, as executive chef.  Cotrell most recently served CMR as executive chef of Marcella’s Italian Ristorante in Columbus’ Short North community.

Cotrell joined CMR in 2006, during his tenure in the Columbus State Community College Chef Apprenticeship program, as an apprentice at Molly Woo’s.  During his apprenticeship, he won several awards in student cooking competitions, including being named Apprentice of the year.

A rising star at CMR, Cotrell joined Marcella’s for its grand opening in 2007.  He quickly was promoted from his first position as lead trainer to sous chef and then to executive chef.

“It has been an honor to spend my career as a chef working with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants,” said Cotrell.  “My work as an executive chef provides me with the opportunity to infuse our menus with passion and spontaneity and to develop exquisite selections for our guests.”

“Jay sets himself apart at Cameron Mitchell for his extraordinary kitchen skills and culinary expertise,” said Brian Hinshaw, CMR vice president and executive corporate chef.  “We couldn’t be more pleased that he has chosen to make his career with our restaurants.  Now, guests at M can experience his incredible talents in the same way those who enjoy Marcella’s already have had the opportunity to do.”

M is an elite Four Diamond property, as designated by AAA.  M is one of only two restaurants in Columbus and 756 nationwide to receive the prestigious rating.

Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, M is located on the first level of the Miranova office tower in downtown Columbus, and boasts one of Columbus’s most extraordinary patio views.  For more information, please call (614) 629-0000 or visit the restaurant online at www.matmiranova.com.  For the convenience of guests, reservations are always accepted, and valet parking is provided.