Peter Roberge has been named the new executive chef at the Best Western Lakeway Inn & Conference Center in Bellingham.

Roberge, who has 14 years of food-service experience, is directing all food-service operations at the Lakeway Inn, including Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub, The Oboe Café, on-site banquets and off-site catering.

The executive chef is introducing new menus for both restaurants, plus banquets and catering clients. He said a common theme for the cuisine will be “local new American.” Some new menu additions include grilled salmon with pan-seared bok choy and jasmine rice; seared halibut with smashed fingerling potatoes, tomato jam and lemon beurre blanc; and creamy three- cheese macaroni and cheese in a rich béchamel sauce.

“We’re emphasizing local, fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as salmon, crab, mushrooms, potatoes and many other types of produce grown in Northwest Washington,” Roberge said, in a press release. “We want to be an active part of our community and that includes buying from local farmers and businesses.”

Roberge’s culinary background includes four years at one of America’s top 50 restaurants, as named by Gourmet Magazine, experience working with Edward Leonard and other award-winning chefs, and a bachelor’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America.

“We are excited to have Peter leading the culinary team at the Lakeway Inn,” General Manager Larry MacDonald said. “We are completely repositioning our restaurants to be more of a community option and not just family dining for our in-house guests. In 2013 we will offer wine, scotch, beer and martini dinners, and daily specials, while strengthening our relationships with local and regional vendors.”

The Best Western Lakeway Inn & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is located at 714 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham. For more information, call 360-671-1011 or 888-671-1011 or visit www.thelakewayinn.com.