La Hacienda

Richard Sandoval

CELEBRITY CHEF

Chef Richard Sandoval is a global pioneer in contemporary Latin cuisine. His career as a chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur also includes serving as a television personality, cookbook author, brand ambassador and philanthropist. He is internationally acclaimed for his innovative approach in combining Latin ingredients with modern culinary techniques to create award-winning flavors that span 60 locations and 4 continents.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sandoval has earned many accolades over the course of his career including Mexico's “National Toque d ’Oro,” Bon Appetit’s “Restauranteur of the Year,” Cordon d'Or’s “Restauranteur of the Year”, one of The Inc Magazine’s 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders, a James Beard Semi-Finalist for “Outstanding Restaurateur” and received an Honorary Doctorate for Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University.

Chef Sandoval is commended for elevating Latin American dining in each market he has a presence with best-in-class concepts, with regular features in publications like The New York Times and People. Sandoval is also credited for introducing Latin cuisine to the UAE, Qatar and Serbia.

Forest Hamrick

EXECUTIVE CHEF

"New Mexican cuisine is very Mexican, but with its own style. I've been to Mexico City to eat at some of the top upscale Mexican restaurants in the world and visit the mercados, or local markets, and am continuing my travels throughout Mexico to learn more about the culture and different cuisines from state to state, pueblo to pueblo."

A graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute with an Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts and Science and Restaurant Management, Chef Hamrick started at the resort's three-meal restaurant, LV Bistro as Executive Chef and went on to run La Hacienda as Chef de Cuisine, winning the AAA Four-Diamond award three years running, and the 85255 Iron Chef Competition in 2006.

Raymond Lopez

General Manager

"Although I graduated with a degree in criminal justice, I wanted to stay in hospitality because I loved watching the memories that I was able to help create for all the guests I interacted with. I get to help people in a different and happier way."

Raymond began his hospitality career working at a theme park in his home city of Los Angeles. He took a break from the industry to pursue a degree in criminal justice in Phoenix, AZ. While going to school, he decided to work as a server assistant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. It was at this moment when he realized how strong his passion for hospitality really was. From that point on, he worked his way up into management, including becoming the Assistant General Manager of Bourbon Steak. It is now, with great honor, that we welcome Raymond as the General Manager of La Hacienda.

Berkeley Alvarado

TEQUILA GODDESS

As the Tequila goddess, I give guests an unforgettable experience on the knowledge and history of tequila. My favorite part is seeing their face light up when discovering a new tequila they have fallen in love with. Each guest has a special memory to take home. La Hacienda is all about the guest experience and I am honored to be a part of that. I grew up taking family vacations to Mexico where I learned a lot about the culture. To this day, it is one of my favorite places to visit to brush up on my knowledge of the spirit!

Christine Lord

TEQUILA GODDESS

Being from Buffalo, NY my tequila options were pretty limited. Things have changed since then! I moved to Arizona and quickly acclimated to the warm weather and all the spirits that go with it. After starting at La Hacienda as a bartender, I have had my eyes opened to the world of Tequila. Since becoming a Tequila Goddess I have traveled to Mexico and had the opportunity to tour the Don Julio distillery, instantly immersed in the traditions and culture of the country. I even got to pick our own exclusive barrel of tequila for La Hacienda. I studied hard and became certified by the CRT. It is my goal to bring the passion, history and culture of tequila to every tequila tasting. It is a pleasure to help tequila beginners as well as tequila aficionados find the perfect pour. I know now that there is a tequila for every person, every mood and every occasion. As Don Julio once said - "The best way to drink tequila is not alone.