Executive Chef Mark Price has been crafting exquisite dining experiences at the Retreat for the past seven years. His finely tuned palate informs a diverse menu with distinctive flavors and a beautiful presentation designed to fit any event, be it a refined dining experience or a homey, buffet style meal. Chef Mark’s talented team incorporates the freshest ingredients to prepare unique dishes for all tastes and preferences. The meals at The Retreat rank only second to our staff’s service and hospitality in our guests surveys and are indisputably the highlight of a visit with us.
All meals, including snacks and packed lunches, are included in the nightly cabin rate. Our Wine Expert, Jennifer Baldwin, will help you select the best wine pairings for your meals from our selection of house wines. Meals are served in our magnificent Dining Hall complete with huge picture windows that capture the Texas Hill Country sunset. The dress code is best described as “ranch casual” (with the exception of weddings and other black-tie affairs). Guests are invited to wear whatever feels most comfortable, whether it be jeans and boots or shorts and flip flops in the warmer months.
Chef Mark and his team are adept at accommodating dietary needs and requests, including all food allergies and sensitivities. Chef Mark directs our summer camp culinary program and as such, has a great deal of experience accommodating all sorts of eating restrictions and requests.
Sample Menu
Breakfast
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Served with Fresh Housemade Salsa and Shredded Sharp Cheddar
Fresh Baked Baguette French Toast, soaked with Vanilla Bean and Cinnamon and served with Butter, Syrup, and Fresh Fruit Preserves
Thick Slices of Applewood Smoked Bacon
A Selection of Fresh Cut Fruit Salad, Cold Cereals, Yogurts, Coffee, Milk, and Orange Juice
Lunch
Sourdough Bread pressed and toasted with Basil Pesto, Sliced Chicken, Fresh Mozzarella and Roma Tomatoes
Chef’s Homemade Soup of the Day, served with Crackers
Mixed Greens Salad with Arugula, Jullienned Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Olives, Feta, and Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
Fresh Baked Double Chocolate Brownies
Dinner
Sliced Beef Loin with Red Wine Demi-Glace and Horseradish Cream
Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Spinach, Artichoke, and Sundried Tomato
Thin Scalloped Potatoes with Sharp Cheddar and Chives
Braided Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Hill Country Salad with Mixed Greens, Strawberries, Pickled Onions, Feta Cheese and Housemade Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing
IN-HOUSE BAR SERVICES
The Retreat at Balcones Springs can provide all the beverage services you need, from the classic brands to specialty Texas items. You have the choice to build a bar service that works best for your group and budget. You may choose to host an open bar, host a portion of the bar services, or offer your guests a cash bar. We also offer specialty drinks such as Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, Specialty Cocktails, and House-Made Margaritas. Please note that outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on the premises, and all alcoholic beverages must be served by The Retreat’s licensed TABC-certified bartenders. Ask a coordinator for a custom quote for your guest count and needs.