Great food begins with exceptional ingredients and skill. As Chef Isaac often says, “We don’t just cook; we curate the best we can offer.” This guiding principle shapes every dish we create, whether we’re importing specialty items from across the globe or sourcing local produce from just down the road.

Reflecting on the countless conversations I’ve had with our members, I’m often met with surprise when I mention that the fish on their plate was delivered whole that morning or that the steak they’re enjoying was freshly butchered in our kitchen today. These moments of realization remind us why we go the extra mile in sourcing our ingredients. It’s not just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the journey from the farm, the sea or the field to your table.

Here are some of our key partners in this pursuit of culinary excellence:

Beef: Our partnership with HeartBrand Ranch in Harwood, TX, has been central to our offerings for nearly two decades. The Beeman family’s dedication to quality and sustainable practices is evident in every cut of their Certified Akaushi beef program, a breed renowned for its extraordinary tenderness and rich, buttery marbling. As one of our members here recently remarked, “The NY Strip was the best I’ve ever had — so tender and flavorful, I could tell it was great quality.”

Seafood: When it comes to seafood, we rely on three trusted partners, each committed to delivering the freshest catch. Honolulu Fish Company, one of our most valued suppliers, brings the ocean to our doorstep with fish that is expertly selected and shipped within hours of being caught. Whether it’s a fillet or a fish special on a Friday night, you can taste the quality, knowing that sustainability and ethical practices are at the heart of everything they do. No net fishing; all HFC fish are hook-caught, preserving the integrity and flavor.

Chicken: We take great pride in the quality of our chicken, sourced from D’Artagnan, a purveyor synonymous with excellence. Our organic, free-range chicken is air-chilled, preserving its natural flavor and texture. This is the same premium poultry that celebrity chefs choose for their kitchens, and it’s what we bring to your table. 

Game Meats: For our more adventurous offerings, we turn to Broken Arrow Ranch in Ingram, TX, just down the road from Cordillera. Their field-harvested venison and wild boar are staples on our special occasion menus, adding a touch of wild Texas flavor to our culinary repertoire. Chef Isaac’s long-standing relationship with Broken Arrow ensures that we always have access to the highest quality game meats available. This month, Chef Isaac has created a special veal shank dish that showcases the rich, wild flavors of Texas.

Mushrooms: Just a short drive away in Kerrville, Mighty Good Mushroom Co. provides us with an array of cultivated and wild varieties that are the unsung heroes of many of our dishes. Whether sautéed as a side or incorporated into a rich sauce, these mushrooms add an earthy depth and a meaty texture that elevates our cuisine to new heights. The Shroom Guy, as we call him, personally delivers the freshest harvest straight to our kitchen. Be sure to order a side of these mushrooms next time you dine with us.

This brief tour of our ingredient sourcing offers a glimpse into the passion and dedication that goes into what we serve. The next time you dine with us, know that Chef works hard to get some of the finest products available. We believe that great food isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the stories behind it, the people who make it possible and the journey from farm to us. 

Chef Isaac and I are always eager to share more about what makes what we do special, so please don’t hesitate to reach out or swing by the kitchen — we’d love to chat. Or better yet, join us in AXIS or for our upcoming wine event, where you can experience these incredible ingredients in new and exciting ways.

Michael McClellan is the Director of Food & Beverage at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can reached at mmcclellan@cordilleraranch.com and 830.336.9164.