Bee Cave, TX (April 20, 2015) – Sonesta has announced the appointment of Chef Patrick Newman as the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the new Sonesta Bee Cave Austin, set for opening this summer in Texas Hill Country, less than 30 minutes from downtown Austin. In this role, Chef Newman will oversee food and beverage direction of the hotel, where he plans to create innovative dining options that showcase market-driven, seasonal fare.
Chef Newman brings over 15 years of culinary experience to Sonesta Bee Cave Austin, in which he spent the majority of his time in the state of Texas. Most recently, he served as the Executive Chef at the Intercontinental Stephen F Austin and prior to this role, was the Executive Sous Chef at the Intercontinental Houston at the Galleria. He has also held a variety of culinary positions including Chef de Cuisine to open the Hilton America in Houston, Texas; Executive Sous Chef at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter of New Orleans, and the Executive Sous Chef at the Four Diamond Mills House Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.
A long history in the culinary space will guide Chef Newman as he develops the culinary experience at Sonesta Bee Cave’s centerpiece venue, a club-style bar with a wraparound terrace showcasing spectacular views of the surrounding Hill Country. Guests will be able to experience Sonesta’s Food is Art culinary focus with Chef Newman’s specially crafted menu showcasing locally sourced regional cuisine paired with an extensive Texas cocktail, microbrew and wine menu. A glass enclosed lounge and rooftop bar will also be open and available for events this summer.
“We’re very excited to announce the appointment of Patrick Newman as our Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage,” said John Dallas, General Manager, Sonesta Bee Cave Austin. “His experience and locally-inspired concept delivers on the type of authentic hospitality we want our guests to experience at this new property, and reinforces the Sonesta brand dedication to providing culinary experiences that reflect their location.”
With the opening of Sonesta Bee Cave Austin, Sonesta adds its third Texas property to its growing global portfolio. Located just 14 miles west of downtown Austin, the hotel sits in the midst of world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, office space, and residences at the Hill Country Galleria complex; a 1.3 million square foot lifestyle center. Designed to reflect the surrounding Hill Country color palette and energy, Sonesta Bee Cave Austin will bring together a contemporary aesthetic and an authentic Austin vibe, reflecting the brand’s commitment to delivering a collection of diverse and distinctive properties as individual as its guests – offering a sense of place, not just a place to stay.
Sonesta Bee Cave Austin will accommodate guests in 195 rooms, including 5 suites. Amenities and features include a central courtyard with an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck, fitness center, 24-hour business center and complimentary Wi-Fi. Nearby activities include a 2.3 mile hiking and biking trail, community special events, concerts and shows, and over 100 stores and restaurants, all within walking distance. The beautiful Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River, is located nearby where plenty of outdoor recreation is available such as boating, swimming, fishing, specialty dining, and even zip lining. The lake was a key inspiration to the color palette and design throughout Sonesta Bee Cave Austin – influencing the use of natural rough woods, stone, and richly colored, textural materials found throughout the hotel.
10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space makes Sonesta Bee Cave Austin especially well-suited to host corporate meetings and events, which will be artfully catered by Chef Patrick Newman and his staff. The grand ballroom is divisible into five sections making for easy accommodation of groups of all sizes. Two additional meeting rooms, an executive boardroom and a pre-function area overlooking the pool and courtyard provide options for smaller get-togethers.
The hotel, which broke ground in February 2014, will offer convenient access to Highway 620, Highway 71 and Bee Cave Road, 20 miles from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The opening is scheduled for mid-July and reservations are now being accepted.
Whether a visit is for business or pleasure, the guest experience at Sonesta Bee Cave Austin is enhanced by the authentic hospitality that Sonesta brings to each of its properties. The services and warm, attentive staff are dedicated to meeting individual guest’s needs, from those looking to check in and “check out”, to others who must stay connected. For more information, or to book a stay at Sonesta Bee Cave Austin, visit www.sonesta.com/beecave.
