Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, two acclaimed San Antonio hotels located along the city’s famed River Walk, have announced the appointment of a new executive chef, Benjamin Knack. Chef Knack, who joins the hotels’ award-winning culinary team effective July 17, 2014, will oversee both Las Canarias and Ostra restaurants located on site at Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, respectively.
For more than two decades, Knack has specialized in classical gastronomical techniques to create high-quality, innovative interpretations of American cuisine and more. As a nationally recognized food service leader, Knack was featured on season eight of Hell’s Kitchen, placing third on the FOX American reality television cooking competition.
Inspired by the diverse culture and cuisine of San Antonio, Knack’s gourmet culinary creations will emphasize fresh seafood and local vegetables. Knack is dedicated to quality and relies upon artisanal ingredients to compose each dish he creates.
“The culture and cuisine of San Antonio is something that has long inspired me as a chef, and I look forward to capitalizing on everything the city has to offer in my approach at both Las Canarias and Ostra,” said Executive Chef Knack.
Prior to his arrival at the Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, Knack was the executive chef for The Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, New Hampshire, focusing on seasonal ingredients to create top-quality meals. As the chef de cuisine for Boston’s Sel de la Terre Long Wharf, Knack also oversaw operations for sister company Au Soleil Catering. Just before joining Sel de la Terre Long Wharf, Knack worked as an instructor and manager for the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in Montpelier, Vermont, where he instructed chefs-in-training on customer service and consulting.
Knack has also served as a pastry chef with Boston’s L’Espalier; executive chef for the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro; pastry chef at Hyatt Hotels in both Beaver Creek, Colorado, and Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii; and pastry chef at Christopher’s in Phoenix.
“We look forward to Chef Knack joining our renowned culinary team and creating some exciting concepts to incorporate into our restaurants and events,” said John B. Gomes, Director of Food and Beverage at Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa. “Our entire team welcomes him to our family and we wish him much success as he begins his Omni career.”
Knack fills the position formerly held by John Brand.
About Omni La Mansión del Rio
Situated on the tranquil River Walk in downtown San Antonio, the historic Omni La Mansión del Rio marries Spanish Colonial architecture and old-world charm with modern comforts. Hallmarks of this authentic experience include 338 comfortably appointed guest rooms and suites, the award-winning Las Canarias restaurant, flexible meeting and event space and unparalleled service standards. For more information, call (800) 843-6664 or visit www.omnilamansion.com.
About Mokara Hotels & Spas
The Mokara Hotel & Spa is the companion property to the illustrious Omni La Mansión del Rio, both of which have been owned and operated by Omni Hotels & Resorts since 2006. With its stunning views of the tranquil River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Mokara blends a serene setting with relaxed sophistication to bring a guest experience where the exceptional is always included. In addition to the acclaimed 17,000-square-foot Mokara Spa, the property features 99 elegantly appointed guest rooms and Ostra, an unrivaled seafood epicurean experience. For more information, call (866) 605-1212 or visit www.mokarahotelsandspas.com.