Chef Isaac Walker Returns to The Driskill
Event and Banquet Chef
AUSTIN, TX, October 17, 2007. John Spomer, managing director for The Driskill Hotel, announced that Isaac Walker recently accepted the position of event and banquet chef for the historic Austin hotel. Chef Walker returns to the property after a 17 year hiatus to focus on the taste and quality of food presentation for group and social catering events at the hotel. "I started at The Driskill 17 years ago washing dishes," said Chef Walker. "I always wanted to be a chef. I soon proved myself and was given a promotion to do prep work in the kitchen of Scandals restaurant that was located in the hotel at the time."
Since first catching a break in The Driskill kitchen, Walker has honed his skills to become a well recognized chef. He trained under many notable Texas chefs including Chef Kent Rathbun from Jasper's in Plano. Under Chef Rathbun's tutelage, Chef Walker opened the restaurant as a sous chef. Walker attributes his drive for food quality and freshness to Rathbun's influence.
Chef Walker also learned more about food and beverage in the hospitality industry while working for the Westin in Dallas, the Westin Beachwood in Fort Worth and the Fairmont in Dallas. His work, under the direction of Chef Rudy Zamora upgrading many of the finest country clubs throughout the state, helped him learn the social catering side of the business that is so important to The Driskill.
"I understand what clients want by spending time with them," said Chef Walker. "I like to personally meet with clients to ensure I'm capturing the look, feel and flavors of their event." Chef Walker describes his presentation style as "sexy" but concedes that food needs to be fresh and taste great or the look of the plate won't matter. He spends countless hours researching new dishes at local restaurants and on the Internet. Chef Walker likes to challenge himself to take what other chefs are doing and try to make it even better. "Food can always be upgraded," added Chef Walker. "I like to compete - with other chefs and myself to ensure I'm providing the best food product possible."
Chef Walker is a native of Michigan who adopted Texas as his home state years ago. He recently relocated to Austin from Dallas with his wife and three children. For more information on social and catering events at The Driskill, please visit www.driskillhotel.com or call (800) 252-9367.
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