Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa are pleased to announce the appointment of San Antonio native, Robert Cantu, as the Executive Chef overseeing culinary operations for both esteemed properties. With over 23 years of culinary experience, Chef Robert Cantu brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to his new role.
Prior to joining Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, Chef Cantu owned Nomad Chef LLC and served as Executive Chef at prominent establishments such as Thompson San Antonio and The Angad Arts Hotel. His culinary expertise has earned him several prestigious awards, including being ranked as the #2 restaurant in Texas by Business Jet Traveler in 2021 and receiving accolades from USA Today and San Antonio Magazine.
“I love innovating and recreating new twists on classic dishes, as well as mentoring and nurturing talent in the kitchen,” says Chef Cantu. “I am thrilled to join the team at Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, where I look forward to elevating the culinary experience for our guests and contributing to the continued success of the properties.”
Chef Robert Cantu’s culinary journey embodies his passion, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. Raised in a lower middle-class family, he developed a love for cooking early on while assisting with family meals. Inspired by his father, who mentored him in the kitchen, Chef Cantu embraced the responsibility of cooking for his family during his father’s military deployments. Over the past twenty years, he has managed restaurants and hotels across the country, from locally owned establishments to high-end steak houses. With a mission to elevate San Antonio’s culinary scene, Chef Cantu has opened numerous restaurants, aiming to advance the city’s food and beverage industry.
“We are confident that Chef Robert Cantu will bring a new level of culinary excellence to our properties,” says Rusty Wallace, General Manager of Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa. “His creativity, passion for the craft, and commitment to showcasing San Antonio’s culinary heritage make him a perfect fit for our historic property.”
In his free time, Chef Cantu enjoys spending quality time with his family and indulging in his passion for cycling. He resides in Castle Hills, TX, with his wife and two children, along with their beloved French Bulldog, Blanche.
With his extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and global culinary experience of luxury hotels and restaurants, Chef Cantu is an asset to Omni La Mansión del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa. He will provide guests with memorable food experiences at the hotel’s restaurants: Four Brothers, El Colegio, Ostra, La Mansión Pool Bar, Rooftop Café and Meetings, Weddings, and In-Room Dining with his team.
For more information about Chef Robert Cantu and the culinary offerings at Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa, please visit https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-antonio-la-mansion-del-rio
