Staff Profile – Isaac A. Cantu, Executive Chef

staff_profileHOMETOWN
San Antonio, Texas

FAMILY
Wife: Lisa Cantu, Daughters: Demarkaja and Midori Cantu, Son: Zephyr Cantu

EDUCATION
Certified Phlebotomy Tech, Associates Degree in Applied Science

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CORDILLERA RANCH?
1 year & 3 months

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOUR FIELD?
A friend asked if I wanted to learn how to cook and I said yes; I was bored being just a student.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HILL COUNTRY?
The attitude of “Simple Living” and the wonderful views. I think Texas is underrated for its beauty.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS?
I am a very active Volkswagen enthusiast. I am interested in Classic & Modern Cuisine, and the comparisons between the two.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Basketball

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT YOU HAVE ATTENDED?
Baylor vs TCU football game

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” -Anne Frank

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE AND WHY?
“The Outsiders”. I’ve been watching this movie since I was a young boy. Then I read the book in school. Through the years, my understanding of it is ever-evolving. Every time I watch it, I can see something that I missed the time before, and learn something. It also had an all-star cast that was so young and talented. Who would have ever thought 5 that the cast was going to be so great in the future.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
To continuously create evolving menus that not only satisfies the guests, but also myself.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Cooking at the famous James Beard House in New York City with my mentor and other celebrity chefs.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OR FEATURE AT CORDILLERA RANCH?
There are many things that have become my favorites here at Cordillera. Just to name a few, the impact that the weather has on my creativity, the beauty of the natural land. But most of all, I value the team that has taken me in and the team that has been assembled. I love to teach and I love to learn, and I get that every day that I step into the club.

You Might Also Enjoy....
Member Services

Get Away To It All

Set directly in the heart of Cordillera Ranch, a peaceful distance from the Clubhouse, The Lodges at Cordillera Ranch provide a nearby sanctuary for an exceptional getaway. The Lodges offer a luxurious residence for any guest. Whether you need to impress a colleague or provide for family coming in on holiday, no detail has been skipped when making sure each guest has a pleasurable experience that is unique to every individual.

Read More »
Cordillera Ranch POA

Amenity Reservations on the Ranch

Cordillera Ranch offers a variety of amenities for property owners and the new POA website allows online reservations for those amenities. To place a reservation request, simply log into the Cordillera Ranch POA website at www.cordilleraranchpoa.com, use the drop down on the For Residents tab and select Reservations, which lists the multiple amenities available. Property owners will then need to select which amenity they wish to reserve, and fill out the online form. The completed form is sent to the POA to review, at which time the POA will approve or deny the request. Once a decision has been made by the POA, the property owner is notified.

Read More »
Signature Vacations

Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica

Join our Club staff as we visit beautiful Costa Rica and its outstanding Los Sueños Resort and Marina. Costa Rica is really a wonderful vacation destination. With one of the oldest and most stable democracies in the Americas, Costa Rica is relatively close to the U.S. and includes clean, uncrowded beaches; a happy, friendly population; and beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a great fall vacation getaway, Costa Rica is the perfect choice. With ideal accommodations, adventure experiences and relaxation, what more could you ask for?

Read More »
Manager's Message

Where Do You Spend Your Time?

I recently read a story retold by the father of a young family of three that included himself, his wife and their young daughter. According to his recounting, after dinner they were each challenged to share an object symbolic of how they would describe one another to a stranger. When it was the daughter’s turn to share the item she thought to be representative of her father, she produced a cell phone. At her young age, she wasn’t taking a sarcastic “shot” at her dad, rather, it was how she truly saw him when he was home.

Read More »

Cordillera Ranch Living is published bi-monthly through a joint venture between Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation and Traveling Blender, LLC.

Cordillera Ranch Development Corporation is the developer of Cordillera Ranch, as well as several signature residential and commercial developments throughout the Southwestern United States.

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram

Copyright 2025 © Cordillera Ranch. All Rights Reserved.