Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Introduces Culinary Veteran Mark Dayanandan as Executive Chef
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and adjoining Barton Creek Country Club today officially announced the hiring of Executive Chef Mark Dayanandan. In this role, Dayanandan will lead concept and menu development for six new restaurants that will open as part of Omni Barton Creek's multi-million-dollar transformation currently in progress. He will also oversee culinary operations for the property's existing Hill Country Dining Room and Bartons Lounge, in addition to managing all catering, in-room dining and poolside dining endeavors.
Chef Dayanandan brings 40 years of culinary experience to Omni Barton Creek. Most recently, he served as executive chef at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. No stranger to the Austin dining scene, Chef Dayanandan led the entire culinary operation at the Hilton Austin from 2003 to 2016. Previously, he held top culinary positions with several large stateside hotels including the 2,000-room New York Hilton. Prior to moving to the United States, he polished his culinary and management skills in hotels throughout Canada, Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom.
“Chef Dayanandan stands out for his extensive experience in high volume, large operations - he was the clear choice to create a culinary culture at our resort for years to come,” said David Jurcak, managing director of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. “While he is an accomplished and decorated chef, he is also an incredible leader who has helped young chefs hone their culinary talents and advance in their careers.”
In late October, Omni Barton Creek announced it had begun a more than $150 million evolution that will fully transform the iconic resort. As part of the evolution, Omni Barton Creek will boast six new dining establishments including a Bob's Steak & Chop House, fresh seafood restaurant, Latin restaurant, sports lounge, coffee market and Canyons Grill, which will open in March 2018 inside the new clubhouse near the award-winning Fazio Canyons golf course. All dining outlets will be open to resort guests, locals and Barton Creek Country Club members. Chef Dayanandan will guide the culinary team through the planning, opening and execution of the six new resort dining outlets in addition to overseeing food and beverage operations for weddings and banquets in the resort's new ballroom and pavilion.
Dayanandan has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performance and culinary skills. His accomplishments include Top Culinary Apprentice in Canada; City of Austin Hospitality Manager of the Year; Top Honors for the Hilton Diamond Chef competition; and the Medallion of Honor by the Escoffier Society of New York.
Having traveled the world, Dayanandan considers Austin his home. Cooking is his passion and his way of life outside of work. He enjoys cooking for friends and family, but his favorite person to cook for is his son.
About Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Austin's leading golf destination, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa treats active, discerning travelers to a welcoming and invigorating luxury experience set against a breathtaking Hill Country environment. Heralded as the #1 golf resort in Texas, Omni Barton Creek boasts four nationally acclaimed championship courses and the industry's finest meeting and wedding facilities. For more information on Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, call 1-800-336-6158 or visit omnihotels.com/bartoncreek.
