Sierra del Rio’s Executive chef, Chris Pacheco, fell in love with cooking at an early age, learning from his stepfather and grandmother, and he’s been cooking ever since. New to Sierra del Rio, Chris is excited to share his unique style with all who visit the bar, restaurant and patio. So let’s take a closer look!
From Fast Food to Exquisite Dining
The Early Years
Following his high school years, Chris started his career in the fast food business, which served as a solid foundation from which to move into the restaurant industry. He was fortunate to be mentored by two men who excelled as chefs, one from Scottsdale and one from France, resulting in the infusion of both Southwest and European influences in his cooking styles.
A Passion for Experimentation and Excellence
Through the years, Chris focused on experimenting with flavors, sauces, and unique combinations. He’s never been afraid to take risks but at the same time, his focus has always been on creating foods that meet his own, high, culinary bar of excellence. How far he advance in his career is evident by the positions he held at the prestigious Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces for three years – Executive Sous Chef, Executive Chef and Executive Banquet Chef – a position Chris left when the opportunity at Sierra del Rio presented itself.
Stepping in at Sierra del Rio
New Ownership and a New Opportunity
Having recently been purchased by PreRealTM Investments, LLC, Sierra del Rio at Turtleback Mountain Resort is undergoing a significant renovation, making it the perfect time for Chris to come on board. The restaurant, bar and patio were closed for remodeling when Chris took the job, giving him time to arrange the kitchen, hire staff, and prepare the menus.
So why would Chris leave a prestigious property such as Hotel Encanto to head north to a property undergoing such significant changes? The answer is creativity. Through the interview process, Chris was able to share his passion for developing foods with unique combinations of flavors and was assured he would have a free hand in creating the menus. Plus, he would be on the ground floor of what he believes will evolve to become a national and perhaps even international Southwest destination as the plans for the property are extensive.
Making a Big Splash with a Soft Opening
With numerous projects still underway or in the planning stages at Sierra del Rio, the decision was made for “soft” opening, allowing word of mouth to spread the news that the bar, restaurant and patio are now open. A what a splash it’s been! Guests have seen a remarkable transformation, from a totally rebuilt patio and fully-renovated bar, dining room and banquet room to menus that have introduced amazing new foods and flavors to those who had frequented the property in the past. And the feedback? Extremely positive! Guest are raving about the updated amenities as well as the incredible, complex and satisfying flavors they’re experiencing in the menu items they select. Some of the most popular dishes so far include the Shrimp Tacos, Cuban Sliders, Gourmet Clubhouse Burger in the bar, the Club Chicken Sandwich with an amazing aioli sauce on the lunch menu, and Chris’ signature dish, a Filet with Manchego Whipped Potatoes on a bed of White Mole for dinner. And something that’s been getting huge accolades is a most unusual but absolutely delicious dessert – Homemade Cheesecake with a Green Chile Marmalade!
The Guest Experience
Keenly focused on the guest experience, Chris knows the importance of training and motivation. Leading by example, Chris makes sure his staff knows that nothing is below him, which is why he sometimes steps into roles that include dishwashing and trash disposal. To ensure consistency, he trains his Sous Chef and the cooks to follow his recipes without exception, and he works tirelessly to guide his staff, making sure the lines run smoothly, food temperatures are correct, foods are prepared properly, and presentations are flawless, along with, of course, managing inventories and food costs. And Chris excels in motivating his team to be their best, love what they do, and further their careers.
What’s Next?
Chris is more than excited a about the future, in part because of the positive feedback to date but also because of the many amenities still to come at Sierra del Rio and the opportunities Chris and his staff will have to meet the growing needs and their expanding roles. Just a few examples of what’s to come includes a second restaurant on the lower level of the clubhouse, outside grilling for tournaments, brunch, and hosting events that range from wine dinners, meetings, holiday parties and quinceañeras to weddings ranging from intimate ceremonies and dinners to those with hundreds of guests.
Conclusion
With Sierra del Rio’s top-rated golf course, fabulous views, updated amenities, and an exceptional Executive Chef in Chris Pacheco, the future is bright. Chris looks forward to the day when the additional amenities are in place and even more people discover both the golf course and the amazing lifestyle Turtleback Mountain resort provides. Meanwhile, as Chris so passionately puts it, “I feel great, wake up happy, love what I do, and most definitely enjoy every minute I spend at Sierra del Rio!”
