Staff Profile – Isaac A. Cantu, Executive Chef

staff_profileHOMETOWN
San Antonio, Texas

FAMILY
Wife: Lisa Cantu, Daughters: Demarkaja and Midori Cantu, Son: Zephyr Cantu

EDUCATION
Certified Phlebotomy Tech, Associates Degree in Applied Science

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CORDILLERA RANCH?
1 year & 3 months

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR FIELD?
A friend asked if I wanted to learn how to cook and I said yes; I was bored being just a student.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HILL COUNTRY?
The attitude of “Simple Living” and the wonderful views. I think Texas is underrated for its beauty.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS?
I am a very active Volkswagen enthusiast. I am interested in Classic & Modern Cuisine, and the comparisons between the two.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Basketball

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT YOU HAVE ATTENDED?
Baylor vs TCU football game

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” -Anne Frank

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE AND WHY?
“The Outsiders”. I’ve been watching this movie since I was a young boy. Then I read the book in school. Through the years, my understanding of it is ever-evolving. Every time I watch it, I can see something that I missed the time before, and learn something. It also had an all-star cast that was so young and talented. Who would have ever thought 5 that the cast was going to be so great in the future.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
To continuously create evolving menus that not only satisfies the guests, but also myself.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Cooking at the famous James Beard House in New York City with my mentor and other celebrity chefs.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OR FEATURE AT CORDILLERA RANCH?
There are many things that have become my favorites here at Cordillera. Just to name a few, the impact that the weather has on my creativity, the beauty of the natural land. But most of all, I value the team that has taken me in and the team that has been assembled. I love to teach and I love to learn, and I get that every day that I step into the club.

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