Tag: La Cantera Resort and Spa

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa announces new kitchen trio

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)

Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.

While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.

Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.

“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.

Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic returns to La Cantera Resort & Spa

The annual Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic raises funds for the American Heart Association and United Way. Photo: google

Sponsored by Methodist Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., the 19th Annual Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic is set for Monday, October 11, at the Resort Course at La Cantera Resort & Spa. For information on sponsor packages go to O’Krent Golf or contact Sam O’Krent at (210) 227.7387. Registration begins at 11a.m., with a shotgun start at 1p.m. (The Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic, 2021)

“Margie and I are extremely grateful and very fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers and sponsors working with us to ensure the tournament’s success these past 19 years. During that time, we have raised more than $1.4 million to benefit the research and programs of the American Heart Association. It’s great to be back and celebrate in person this year. We are mindful of the pandemic and are taking every precaution to ensure proper safety measures are in place.”

Sam O’Krent, president of O’Krent Floors

The community can support the cause by purchasing Super Raffle tickets or memorial markers. Only 350 Super Raffle tickets will be available at $100 each; three for $250; or five for $400 for a chance to win one of seven magnificent prizes – each valued at $5,000. The prize selection includes: Two full access 2-day passes to the 2022 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course; two tickets to Super Bowl 56 on February 13, 2022, in Los Angeles, California; a customized Dream Vacation; the ultimate floor makeover from O’Krent Floors; a $5,000 MasterCard gift card; your choice of exquisite merchandise from Ben Adams Precious Jewels and Fine Gifts; or a $5,000 gift card from Bjorn’s Audio Video. It is a no-lose situation – you will be making a difference with your donation, but you just might also win a $5,000 prize package for only $100 or less if you purchase a multiple ticket package.

Memorial Markers offer a special sponsor opportunity to honor someone you know who has been touched by heart disease. For $100, these markers of respect and acknowledgment will be positioned throughout the golf course. Purchase online at okrentgolf.com.

Reserve a room at La Cantera Resort & Spa October 8 – 11, for $279 per night and $50 from every rental will be donated to the American Heart Association via the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic. A reduced resort fee of $20 (regularly $36) is included. Book fast, though, because this generous offer expires September 16, 2021.

When the American Heart Association eliminated the Cardiac Classic from its roster of events in 2002 Margie and Sam O’Krent stepped in to establish the Arthur O’Krent Golf Classic. Margie and Sam are intimately aware of heart disease. Sam’s father died of heart disease in 1997, and Margie’s father, a prominent cardiologist, underwent bypass surgery himself in 2003. As past chairman of the board of the AHA, Sam is devoted to fighting the number one cause of death among San Antonians – heart and blood vessel diseases. Every year almost 250,000 people suffer cardiac arrest and only about 5 percent of them survive.

When Every Second Counts
The number one cause of death among Americans is heart and blood vessel disease. The American Heart Association is the nation’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to preventing death and disability from the United States’ number one killer – heart disease and the number three killer – stroke. The American Heart Association funds life-saving research over $1 billion since 1949 and education programs designed to minimize heart disease and stroke in San Antonio.

O’Krent Floors is San Antonio’s oldest and largest family-owned floor covering store. Since 1915, now in its fifth generation, its reputation lies in its quality installations, fair pricing, and lifetime labor warranties. Products include carpeting, ceramic tile, natural stone, wood and cork floors, area rugs, and laminate floor coverings. O’Krent’s is so proud and confident in their abilities that it offers a full lifetime installation warranty on every product installed.