Chef Chris Cook, known for his culinary prowess in San Antonio’s top kitchens, now leads dining at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch, enhancing meals with local hospitality.
SAN ANTONIO — Chris Cook has spent more than two decades working in some of San Antonio’s notable kitchens. Now, he’s taking his culinary experience to a new setting: a senior living community.
Cook is the newest culinary leader at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch, where he’ll oversee dining for residents in the independent living community.
This story continues below.
And yes, the chef really is named Cook.
Cook began his culinary career with Watermark Hotel Co., starting as an AM cook at Pesca before working his way up to sous chef at Las Canarias at La Mansión del Rio.
He was also part of the opening teams for Brasserie Pavil and Watermark Grill before becoming executive chef at Oro Restaurant & Bar at The Emily Morgan Hotel.
His career even took him in front of the cameras. Cook competed on Food Network’s “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell,” where chefs were challenged to showcase their creativity, consistency and leadership.
Later, Cook became executive chef and food and beverage director at Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard. There, he developed seasonal dishes influenced by Mediterranean flavors and built around the orchard’s olives and other South Texas ingredients.
His experience also includes creating food-and-wine pairings for Kuhlman Cellars in the Texas Hill Country and working with Chef Cooperatives, a nonprofit focused on supporting local chefs, farmers, ranchers and charitable causes.
Now, Cook is bringing that experience to the residents at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch.
His approach centers on using quality ingredients while making the dining experience personal.
“Great food starts with great ingredients, but great hospitality starts with people,” Cook said.
That philosophy is particularly important in his new role, where meals aren’t just about what’s on the plate. Dining can also be a social experience and part of residents’ daily routines.
Jacob Cantu, sales and marketing director at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch, said Cook brings extensive culinary knowledge and leadership to the community.
“Chris brings a level of culinary leadership and Texas food knowledge that’s rare to find,” Cantu said. “Residents can expect thoughtfully prepared meals built on local ingredients and real hospitality.”
For Cook, the new position marks another chapter in a career that has taken him from hotel kitchens and San Antonio restaurants to television and the Texas Hill Country.
This time, his audience is a little closer to home, the senior residents sitting down to enjoy the food he prepares for them.