Something delicious is always cooking at Lost Pines, thanks to Executive Chef Chris Cummer—and now he’s cooked up an unforgettable Texas spin on the traditional chef’s table. The Hanging Tomahawk Special is a one-of-a-kind experience that features holes drilled in bones, flavorful juice drippings to season the accompaniments, and, as you might have guessed, tomahawk steaks hanging over the fire. It’s a show for guests that is both delightful and delicious.

It's the latest in a string of inventive creations for Chris, who developed an interest and passion for culinary arts at a young age; he began working at a pizza restaurant in Houston when he was just 16 years old and went on to hold various kitchen positions while attending college at Louisiana State University.

After school, he took his skills to the hotel industry, working at a variety of properties within the Hyatt portfolio. He served as Chef de Cuisine at Hyatt Regency Dallas; Executive Sous Chef at Hyatt Regency Jersey City; Executive Chef at Andaz Wall Street in New York City; Director of Food and Beverage and Culinary Operations at Andaz Savannah; and Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. Chris also helmed the kitchen at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland.

His first hotel job, though, was right here at Lost Pines, where he was hired as a banquet chef 17 years ago. And now he has come full circle, returning as our Executive Chef in 2021.

Over his career, Chris has earned numerous awards, including “Best of Show” awards at the 2019 Taste of Cambridge event and the 2009 Empty Bowl event in Bastrop County. His efforts in providing sustainable dining experiences have also been recognized by the World Wildlife Foundation. Today, guests at Lost Pines benefit from his experience, his extraordinary talent, and his willingness to get creative. We’re thrilled he’s hanging around these parts again!