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Smooth Style and Bistro Flavor Reign at Hotel ZaZa Houston’s Monarch Restaurant

Enjoy Chic Indoor and Outdoor Dining, Revamped Bistro Menu and Houston’s Hottest Afterhours Scene

Relax with Three-Course Sunday Brunch

HOUSTON, Texas (January 22, 2009) - Established as one of Houston's premier dining destinations, Monarch at Hotel ZaZa is an out-of-the-ordinary culinary experience set against a chic backdrop with ZaZa's signature flair. Following a November 2008 renovation, Monarch offers both indoor and outdoor dining venues, including an all-weather terrace and hipster lounge. Monarch's menu, composed of Executive Chef Aaron Neeley's eclectic bistro fare, further establishes Monarch as a key ingredient in Hotel ZaZa's total experience.

RESTAURANT CUISINE
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and a Sunday Brunch, Monarch's menu caters to diners who appreciate great atmosphere, great service, and great food. Featuring a fusion of classic America and Mediterranean flavors, Chef Neeley's take on upscale bistro cuisine is both innovative and downright tasty. An assortment of seafood, steaks, pasta and salads is further enhanced by Monarch's commitment to serving organic ingredients whenever possible. Combined with several creative spins on classic dishes and a variety of shared plates, the result is a culinary experience that makes Monarch reign supreme in the Houston dining scene.

Chef Neeley's executive chef position brings him full circle from his culinary roots as a sous chef at City Grill in Austin, Texas, followed by the sous chef at Shoreline Grill, working under Executive Chef Dan Haverty. In 2001, Neeley moved to Las Vegas to work at Star Canyon in the Venetian Hotel; next to Caesar's Palace under Executive Chef Jim Perillo; and then to Executive Sous Chef at the Las Vegas Renaissance Hotel, including the award-winning ENVY steakhouse. Under his direction, ENVY received the Las Vegas Epicurean Award for "best new off-strip restaurant," and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Whether diners enjoy a dinner for two or a night out with friends, the menu offers something for everyone. Topped by several sushi plates, the menu begins with "Sharing" items which include the Deconstructed Ahi Roll, a petite, striated tower of ahi tartar, avocado, crab ceviche and sushi rice served with white truffle dressing. Z Sliders are dressed with caramelized onions, smoked bacon and Boursin cheese. "Greens and Soup" offer house-made Tomato Bisque paired with a mini grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for dunking. Greens include a Classic Caesar and the BLT Wedge, served with blue cheese vinaigrette and shaved onion. The Mexican Chop Salad blends chipotle glazed shrimp, mango, corn and poblano pecan vinaigrette.

Items from "Z-Grill," include the Asian Glazed Wild Salmon, served with steamed broccoli and honey chipotle polenta; the Center Cut Filet, topped with Chimichurri, served with roasted red potatoes. "Entrees" include Braised Short Rib, with whipped potatoes and red wine sauce. Spinach and Wild Mushroom Lasagna includes tomato butter, grilled vegetable relish and Kalamata Tapenade.

For dessert, the Ultimate Chocolate Cake tempts diners. Also choose from White Chocolate and Brownie Torte or Mango, Passion Fruit Crème Brulée to add a dash of ZaZa whimsy to the end of the meal.

Monarch's Sunday Brunch offers guests bottomless Bellinis or Mimosas amidst gourmet coffees and fresh-squeezed juices. A three-course meal featuring the best of both savory and sweet plates has become one of Houston's finest. Begin with the Breakfast Bread Basket, followed by a steaming bowl of Steel Cut Oats served with a trio of garnishes, or a generous serving of Fresh Berries.

The second course offers heartier selections, including Lobster Benedict with truffle hollandaise and Monarch potatoes, Banana Granola French Toast with cinnamon honey butter, or the classic Texas Pulled Pork Sandwich paired with coleslaw and baked beans. The third course, the Dessert Tasting, offers a sweet sampling of Monarch confections.

HOUSTON NIGHTLIFE
Monarch also plays home to a hip lounge area. A casual social haunt by day, come nightfall the lounge transforms into one of Houston's hippest hotspots. A secluded DJ booth - hidden behind a removable curtain - allows for a rotating schedule of the city's top DJs every Thursday through Saturday nights.

Private booths may be reserved in tandem with Hotel ZaZa's signature bottle service; guests may order cocktails and light bites from a separate bar menu beginning at 11 p.m. The nightlife also extends to include Monarch's Terrace. Special lighting and outdoor speakers set a hip mood, making the terrace and lounge one cool combination.

DECOR
Step into Monarch and enter a realm where rich hues combine with an energetic undercurrent, imbibing a sense of excitement and style. From the glass door entrance to the outdoor terrace, Monarch is casual, cool panache. No subdued whispers here - Monarch beckons good times whether dining a deux or with the gang.

Monarch emits an exclusive vibe, aided by marble tile, dark wood-plank flooring, low-lit chandeliers and plush drapes along a far wall. The staff - decked in head-to-toe black - offer discreet yet attentive service. Several high-top tables are paired with coordinating low-tops and booths, done in matching dark wood, brown leather and paisley upholstery. The palette is cool and collected, allowing conversation and ambiance to take center stage.

Just outside, Monarch's Terrace offers beautiful garden and fountain views. Spacious and scenic, the Terrace is covered with a weather-proof canopy, complete with removable side walls. Weather permitting, the walls are opened for al fresco dining, or closed, with air-conditioning and central heating keeping up to 88 diners comfortable.

Featuring a separate valet entrance, impeccable service and stellar fare, Monarch is a destination for both Houston locals and hotel guests. Monarch is open seven days a week serving breakfast from 6:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. The lounge menu is served from 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday Brunch is served on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call 713-526 - 1991, or visit www.hotelzaza.com.

About Hotel ZaZa
Hotel ZaZa's soul lies in a rich combination of sensual design, an impeccable attention to detail and a "can-do" staff whose mission is to exceed every expectation. Hotel ZaZa is designed to deliver both style and substance for hard-working, fun-loving souls. Each hotel offers unique accommodations, one-of-a-kind themed suites and world-class dining. Hotel ZaZa provides travelers with a welcoming environment that embraces its signature elements of luxury, comfort, style and fun. It is uniquely different and anything but ordinary.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas features a casual yet seductive Mediterranean elegance, and is conveniently located in the chic Uptown neighborhood. The hotel provides 4,500 square feet of meeting space, 153 rooms, 17 concept suites, The Magnificent Seven Suites, award-winning Dragonfly restaurant and the über-Zen ZaSpa. Dallas' Hotel ZaZa is a feast for the senses, exhibiting a style and substance rarely found in today's hotels. The hotel is located at 2332 Leonard Street, Dallas, Texas, 75201 and reservations can be made by calling 214-468-8399 or by visiting www.hotelzazadallas.com

Hotel ZaZa Houston debuted in June 2007 and is located in the heart of the city's buzzing Museum District. Extravagant and lush while still quietly intimate, the Houston property boasts 17,000 square feet of meeting space, the casual-cool Monarch restaurant, restorative ZaSpa, over 300 rooms including ZaZa Petites, Pool Bungalows, Pool Villas, Concept Suites and The Magnificent Seven Suites. The hotel is located at 5701 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005 and reservations can be made by calling 713-526-1991 or visiting www.hotelzazahouston.com

Hotel ZaZa was created by Charles S. Givens and Jeff Records and is owned by Givens-Records Developments. Operations management and marketing are provided by Z Resorts, LLC, led by Z Resorts President Benji Homsey.

About Preferred Hotel Group^TM
Celebrating 40 years of excellence, Preferred Hotel Group is proud to be a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing and technology solutions to more than 700 independent hotels and resorts in over 75 countries. Its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts (www.preferredhotels.com), Preferred Boutique^TM (www.preferredboutique.com), Summit Hotels & Resorts^TM (www.summithotels.com), Sterling Hotels^TM (www.sterlinghotels.com) and Historic Hotels of America® (www.historichotels.org). For more information please visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com.

In Fall 2007, the company entered the luxury real estate market with the launch of Preferred Residences^TM - a membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts that provide an exceptional level of service and amenities. Properties are held to exacting standards derived from the same Preferred Global Standards of Excellence^TM on which the company has built its 40-year heritage in the hospitality industry. For more information please visit www.preferredresidences.com.