If you're a fan of John Besh Restaurants – and let's face it, who isn't? – then you won't want to miss out on Lüke restaurant's Visiting Chef Dinner Series while you're in San Antonio.

On these special nights, guests can experience some of the magnificent cuisine New Orleans has to offer, without ever having to leave the "Alamo City."

These successful prix fixe dinners are happening every one to two months, and each one showcases a different stellar chef and their unique cuisine.

Chef Phil Mariano of Domenica at a recent Visiting Chef Dinner — Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

What to Expect

The most recent featured chef was Phil Mariano of Domenica, who brought his creative Italian sensibilities to the evening's feast by serving delicate Octopus Carpaccio, Crispy Sweetbreads, Blue Crab Campanelle and even a gorgeous porchetta that he carved in front of guests. 

Each dish is typically paired with a fine wine or clever cocktail, and Lüke's Executive Chef John Russ is always there to lend a hand, facilitating the celebration of great food.

"I'm enjoying seeing our guests in such a fun environment and showing them other things, although what we’re doing is not at all dissimilar," says Russ. "Our guests, cooks and staff get to see what we do. It creates a sense of family – that we’re all doing the same things, tasting the same things."

Are you up for Octopus Carpaccio? — Photo courtesy of Kimberly Suta

Fall 2015 Dinners

Nov. 19, 2015 – Chef John Besh

This one is not to be missed, as it features the man himself: celebrity chef John Besh!

Lüke San Antonio is excited to welcome Besh for a special dining event that will help celebrate the launch of his latest cookbook Besh Big Easy: 101 Home-Cooked New Orleans Recipes.

"It's such an incredible experience to have someone with such a world view of the culinary industry here. He's seen so much and is so willing to share those experiences," explains Russ.

As if that isn't enough, Besh Restaurant Group's Executive Pastry Chef Kelly Fields, who also recently unveiled her dedicated bakery and restaurant Willa Jean in August, will helm the dessert offerings for the evening.

Dec. 10:  Chef Alon Shaya

On Dec. 10, Chef Alon Shaya will travel to Lüke to prepare a seasonal Hanukkah dinner alongside Russ.

Born in Tel Aviv, Shaya is proud to be this year’s James Beard Award winner for "Best Chef: South." He's also executive chef and partner at Domenica, Pizza Domenica and Shaya in New Orleans. 

And did we mention that Shaya has already been named one of this year's best new restaurants? 

More to Come

Although dates for the 2016 Visiting Chef Dinner Series aren't set yet, Lüke will likely be hosting Chef Drake Leonards of Lüke in New Orleans and Kelly Fields, the executive pastry chef and partner at Willa Jean.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit Lüke San Antonio's website, and be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.