In March 2012, W Seattle will reveal their newly REWONDERED first floor, including TRACE Restaurant and Bar. New Chef de Cuisine Steven Ariel is joining the team, bringing a rich collection of culinary experiences to the kitchen.

Chef Ariel’s extensive knowledge along with a passion for food and wine pairings comes courtesy of intensive study at the University of Hawaii, the Thai Cooking School in Bangkok, Thailand and completion of the introductory course from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

This innovative culinarian has worked within a broad array of cuisines, from Asian and Pacific Rim fusion, to Northern Italian and Pacific Northwestern in the kitchens of many esteemed local kitchens including Canlis, Cafe Juanita and Luc.

After six years working with the esteemed Michelin Star-rated, British chef Gordon Ramsay in London and New York, Executive Chef Steven Snook brings his passion for food and culinary excellence to the Restaurant at Kenwood Inn and Spa, open to guests of the Inn and Spa. Ingredients for his rustic Italian fare are sourced locally from the region’s best farmers, ranchers, cheese makers, and fishermen, and the menu features a variety of produce, fruits and herbs grown on the property.

From his early days cooking with his grandmother and helping in her gardens in the English countryside, Chef Snook has consistently insisted on using the highest possible quality ingredients in his cuisine, and prides himself on maintaining good relationships with his purveyors. This connection to local artisan food growers brings Chef Snook back to his roots and will serve him well at Kenwood, where he has a bounty of fresh product literally at his fingertips.

Condé Nast Traveler named Sonoma’s Kenwood Inn and Spa to its annual Gold List – The World’s Best Places to Stay. The inn achieved an overall score of 92.7%, with the second highest Service score of 98 (out of 23 California properties). Congrats to the team!

Who wants to win a trip to Paris, France?

Who doesn’t?

Join W Seattle this Friday, December 9 as they kick-off their RE-WONDER project and launch the W Seattle RE-WONDER Trivia Hunt.  The contest officially opens at 8:00 am PST, with clues released on the W Seattle’s Facebook page. Should you enter to win, you and your plus one could be whisked away to Paris, compliments of the new, tres chic W Paris-Opera.

Starting on December 2, the W Seattle will begin a substantial renovation/RE-WONDER of the hotel’s “Living Room,” Bar and Restaurant, with the closure of its first floor public spaces.

The hotel’s dramatic re-opening is planned for early March 2012. Upon completion, W Seattle will reveal TRACE, the hotel’s new restaurant and bar. TRACE will continue the hotel’s legacy as a trend-setting, urban cocktail venue and a long-time leader in Seattle’s culinary community with award-winning chefs highlighting Washington State’s local, organic and sustainable products and supporting those who grow, raise or catch them.

Six, W-inspired, trivia clues will be posted beginning at 8 am PST on December 9 and final answers must be entered by 12 midnight PST, December 10. One observant fan, plus their guest, will win an exciting, 5-night stay at the fashionable W Paris-Opéra, including round-trip airfare, daily breakfast and a chef-selected, wine-paired dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant.

In addition, you’ll experience a private, full day of culinary adventure in Paris courtesy of The International Kitchen, the leading culinary travel company. Your host, a longtime Parisienne, will take you to one of the bustling neighborhood markets to do your shopping. Following a private cooking class with those ingredients, you enjoy a typical French lunch with wine.

The winner will be selected from all correct answers and notified on Monday, December 12, 2011 by a representative of W Seattle.

So head on over to Facebook.com/wseattle for hints by end of day today!