Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar
Surrounded by panoramic views of the Austin Hill Country, Blind Salamander’s upscale offerings created by Chef Francisco Baca include fresh seafood dishes and fresh seasonal dishes. Explore an inventive garden-inspired cocktail menu featuring flavors from comforting to adventurous. Validated valet parking available for local dinner guests.
As a 14-year veteran of the culinary industry, Francisco Baca has made his mark on the Austin and San Francisco food scene through his marriage of fine dining and southwestern cuisine. Inspired by both his grandma and mom’s cooking from his childhood in El Paso, Texas, he ventured to New York to pursue a degree in hospitality management at St. John’s University. He continued his studies in the culinary arts program at The Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. After completing his externship in San Francisco under Chef Elizabeth Falkner, he quickly crafted his talent through line cook positions at Orson and Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, later serving in sous chef roles at Spruce and Regalito.
In 2012 Baca won the Mole to Die For Award in San Francisco. He later served as executive sous chef under Chef Dennis Lee. While working at Smokestack, Magnolia Brewery and Namu Gaji, he was integral to ideation, menu development, team management and training. In 2017, he led the opening of The Saratoga as the executive sous and chef de cuisine under Chef Mark Sullivan.
Now, at Blind Salamander Kitchen & Bar at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Baca has proven to be a leader in the industry. He continues to delight the culinary world with his unique style of bringing cultures together through fresh ingredients, innovative dishes and just a touch of his grandma and mom’s home cooking.
