This week our Director of Food & Beverage, Scott Siebert, begins his important leadership role at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.  I was impressed with Scott even before I had the pleasure of meeting him a few weeks ago.  He certainly has a background that would impress most people.  Professional experience that includes the re-opening of the legendary Renaissance Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach, Florida and the opening of the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Before those assignments he led the food and beverage team at our JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. 

Scott’s passion for food and beverage was apparent within minutes of our first meeting.  He is currently studying to become a Master Sommelier, a designation awarded to true beverage leaders within the hospitality industry.  He was responsible for bringing in organic gardens at his past Resorts and sought out local vendors and sources of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. 

Scott has already started his research into truly understanding the Texas Hill Country culinary world.  I know he will be impressed with rich variety of farms, ranches, and vineyards that are right here in our backyard.  Even more exciting are his ideas about a signature beverage that he will introduce upon our opening this January. 

I’d like to get your thoughts.  Please leave me a comment with any ideas you have about food or beverage you’d like to see at the Resort.  After all, we want the Resort to be a true reflection of Texas, and the Hill Country in particular, so you ideas would be enormously helpful as we meet that aspiration.  Our goal is that you will come to think of it as your first choice when traveling to San Antonio or looking for the best spot to restore.

San Antonio: It’s all about Warm Heart…Authentic Culture

May is the beginning of the Texas Hill Country lavender season. Many of our local farms are gearing up for their busiest and most exciting time of the year. Becker Vineyards held its 11^th annual lavender festival two weekends ago. The festival showcased the best of local artists, chefs, artisans, and growers. Vendors included Shayne Sauce, makers of homemade pastas and jams; Miller Creek Lavender, producers of all things lavender including margarita mix; Al’s Gourmet Nuts, producers of delicious lavender pecans, and many others.  Our next festival is the Blanco Lavender Festival June 12 – 14^th, 2009.  I’m looking forward to taking the short 40 minute drive up to Blanco and enjoying this annual event with my family.

Although we received a bit of much needed rain on the first day of the festival, it was a great weekend to be outdoors and enjoying the Hill Country. Becker Vineyards was serving a limited release red wine called “Raven” that was truly delicious.   After taking in the Becker Lavender Festival we drove over to Fredericksburg, stopping by in Stonewall, the peach capital of Texas.  Although the peach harvest is expected to be much smaller this year, due to a late season frost, we were still able to enjoy some incredible fresh peaches and of course, homemade peach ice cream.  Driving over to Fredericksburg, we spent a few hours walking along Main Street of this quaint, historic German town.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Hondo’s .  My family and friends really enjoy this restaurant and its outdoor beer garden.  Those of you who know me can probably guess what I ordered; yes, a bacon jalapeno cheeseburger…medium rare.

Once you discover the Texas Hill Country, it stays with you. As we prepare to open the resort in early 2010, it’s exciting to think of all the people who will be traveling here for the first time. I know you and your family will enjoy it as much as I do with my family.

San Antonio: It’s all about Warm Hearts…Authentic Culture