As work continues at the Hotel Lafayette (see latest update), and developer Rocco Termini solidifies contracts with tenants, the hotel’s in-house catering arm is getting underway. Marquis de Lafayette is made up of owners Bill and Molly Koessler (Acqua and Park Lane), a team that has been in the catering business for many years both in Buffalo and NYC. Along with Master Chef Joe Venezia (Executive Chef and Manager of Acqua), Bill and Molly are planning on elevating the city’s catering experience by utilizing the historic assets of what will be, once again, one of the greatest hotels in the country.
After being away from Buffalo for 31 years, and running il Boccaccio Restaurant in LA among other vast accomplishments, Joe (protégé of Wolfgang Puck and Marcella Hazan) has returned with his family and will be heading up the culinary show at the hotel (see Joe’s background). Molly has already booked 30+ events before the doors even open, in two ballrooms that can seat up to 150 and 350 people respectively, along with a dance floor. Between the hotel rooms, the various bars, restaurants and businesses, plus the proximity to the Metro Rail, the waterfront, etc., Marquis de Lafayette has got all of the necessary ingredients to quickly become a heavy hitter for weddings, business affairs, and other occasions that demand the utmost in culinary prowess and prestige. This is the type of business that will ultimately draw thousands of people downtown each year. I had an opportunity to sit down and talk to Bill, Molly and Joe… following is the podcast:
Marquis de Lafayette | Opening May 2012 | 716-874-5400
Photo (L-R): Bill Koessler, Molly Koessler, Joe Venenzia