As a young child, Natasha Schooten would spend hours in the kitchen looking over the shoulder of her grandmother as she carefully prepared wholesome, nutritious dishes for friends and family. Her grandmother’s passion and respect for food ultimately became the fuel for Natasha’s successful future in the culinary arts.
Originally from the small town of Nanton Alberta, Natasha began her career studying culinary arts at the SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. Following graduation, Natasha started a seven-year career with Delta Hotels and Resorts that took her on a culinary journey across Canada as far east as Guelph Ontario and as far west as Kamloops, British Columbia. Prior to starting with the Watermark Beach Resort, Natasha worked under Chef Michael Allemeier at the Mission Hill Family Estate winery in Kelowna.
Working with talented chefs from across the country, Natasha further developed her appreciation for back-to-basics cooking that incorporates fresh, local ingredients. Natasha learned first hand that thinking globally and sourcing locally is not just politically correct, but is also personally rewarding for chefs and growers alike.
While her career took her to many special places in Canada, Natasha fell in love with the tastes and sights of the Okanagan region. “The undeniable connection between the food and the wines of the Okanagan and the gentle hints of complementary flavours that allow each ingredient to support this balance make for a very unique place. The exemplary food and wine combined with the breathtaking landscape makes for an experience like none other,” notes Chef de Cuisine, Natasha Schooten.
As Chef de Cuisine at the new Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos, Natasha will continue to champion her passion and relationship with the growers, the wineries and her team. Partnering with local farmers and producers, the Watermark Wine Bar and Patio will showcase an ever-changing, fresh menu that incorporates all of Natasha’s passions.
The new 153 suite Watermark Beach Resort is set to launch into its first summer season offering Penthouse, Studio, One, Two and Three-bedroom Suites offer all the comforts and conveniences of home, including stainless steel kitchen appliances, deep soaking tubs, flat-screen televisions in the master bedrooms and living areas, and private balconies with breathtaking views of the lake or desert landscape. The hotel’s complement of amenities include a yoga studio, fitness facility, steam room, hot tubs, seasonal outdoor pool, and the Watermark Wine Bar and Patio serving up the finest and freshest the local producers have to offer.
Located 396 kilometres (246 miles) from Vancouver or 457 kilometers (284 miles) from Seattle and accessible via either Kelowna International Airport or Penticton Airport, Osoyoos boasts Canada’s driest climate with the lowest rainfall and highest temperatures in the country. For more information about weddings at the Watermark Beach Resort, call the hotel at 1.888.755.3480 or visit www.watermarkbeachresort.com.
