Michael Loccisano/
The culinary world’s brightest stars are turning their attention to Texas, with a recent influx of high-profile chefs setting their sights on the Lone Star State. This year, the renowned New York chef April Bloomfield made headlines by joining forces with an Austin restaurant group, with plans to breathe new life into the iconic Driskill Grill. Now, the spotlight shifts to Michelin-starred San Francisco chef Dominique Crenn, who has revealed her intention to launch a new eatery in Texas. However, this venture will not be in the bustling cities of Austin, Houston, or Dallas, but rather in the quaint town of Fredericksburg, nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
Crenn will take the helm of the flagship restaurant at the upcoming Waldorf Astoria resort in Fredericksburg, a property scheduled to open its doors in 2027.
In a statement, Mark Harmon, the developer of the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country, expressed his vision for the resort, emphasizing the aim to enhance Fredericksburg’s reputation as a premier wine and culinary hub. “With Chef Crenn, we aspire to further elevate Fredericksburg’s status as a leading wine and culinary destination by crafting experiences that are quintessentially local, inspired, and timeless,” Harmon said.
The proposed restaurant, situated on the second floor of the resort’s main building, is currently in the nascent planning phase. However, in a conversation with Texas Monthly, Crenn teased the dining public with a glimpse of what they can anticipate.
Notably, the chef, who is renowned for her tasting menus, revealed that she will initially offer à la carte selections, a divergence from her vegetarian and pescatarian offerings at her San Francisco establishments. Crenn also hinted at a focus on game meats, a notable shift from her previous menus. Additionally, Texas wines will be prominently featured on the wine list.
“The Texas Hill Country has a unique culinary beat,” Crenn stated in a press release. “This partnership presents an opportunity to honor the land, the people, and the seasons through a fresh perspective—one that is deeply personal, grounded in nature, and elevated by creativity. I am honored to bring this vision to Fredericksburg and to collaborate with such a distinguished team of hospitality experts to bring it to fruition.”
Born in France, Crenn came to the United States in 1988 to apprentice under the legendary chef Jeremiah Tower at Stars in San Francisco. Her career took her to Jakarta, Indonesia, where she became the first female executive chef at the Intercontinental Hotel, before returning to San Francisco in 2008. Three years later, she opened Atelier Crenn, making history as the first female chef in America to earn three Michelin stars. Crenn expanded her empire with Petit Crenn and Bar Crenn in San Francisco, and has also collaborated with Dior on Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in Dallas. Beyond her Michelin stars, Crenn is a best-selling cookbook author, a James Beard Award winner, a World’s 50 Best Icon, and a TIME 100 honoree.
This ambitious project marks the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ entry into the Texas market. The anticipated resort will boast 60 hotel rooms, 37 resort villas, and 50 private branded residences. In all, there will be five dining and beverage venues, including Crenn’s restaurant, which will offer private dining rooms, specialty bars, and expansive terraces with views of the Texas Hill Country. Additional amenities will include an 11,000-square-foot spa and two pools.
