William Varney has been named general manager at Brasserie Pavil. Varney is former owner of the Fredericksburg Herb Farm. There, he expanded what started as a small Central Texas farm to one encompassing two retail locations, an organic restaurant, a five-station aroma therapy day spa, and an associated bed-and-breakfast.  Varney sold the farm in 2008 after 23 years of successful operation.

He most recently served as general manager of the Fromage du Monde in Fredericksburg, handling the day-to-day operations of the Hill Country cheese shop and restaurant.

The author of two books, “Along the Garden Path” and “Herb Growing and Using the Plants of Romance,” Varney has lectured throughout the United States and abroad on the art of raising and using herbs and herbal flavors.

“Bill brings a truly unique background to Brasserie Pavil,” said Patrick J. Kennedy, owner of Brasserie Pavil and founder of Watermark Hotel Company. “His experience as a successful business owner combined with his enthusiastic demeanor will be a great asset to the restaurant.”

Brasserie Pavil is located in the Plaza Las Campanas, at the southeast corner of Huebner Road and Loop 1604.  For more information or to make reservations visit www.brasseriepavil.com or call 210-479-5000.

The new Watermark Grill, in what was formerly the Reggiano’s location on Stone Oak Parkway just north of Loop 1604, is now open, says owner of the Watermark Hotel Company, Pat Kennedy.

At a recent preview, guests had a first taste of garlic shrimp, crab legs, coconut shrimp, grilled quail and more. Seafood is the focus of the new restaurant, says executive chef Scott Cohen. The emphasis is on items caught fresh daily and brought in from around the world, a raw bar, spit-roasted items from the large, open kitchen as well as prime USDA steaks.

An award-winning chef, Cohen’s claim to fame in San Antonio follows his successful career in New York, in Dallas at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and many other venues. Here, he was executive chef at two two of the city’s top River Walk restaurants, Las Canarias at La Mansion del Rio and Pesca on the River at the Watermark Hotel & Spa.

Cohen was among the first chefs in the city dedicated to seeking out the best in food and produce from sources close to San Antonio, including the Texas Hill Country. “I’m excited that I’ve been able to continue my goal to utilize the best of what this area has to offer and provide truly great culinary experiences right here in San Antonio,” says Cohen.

The Watermark Hotel Company also owns Brasserie Pavil, at Loop 1604 and Huebner Road, which opened in December 2008.

For more information about the new restaurant, go to www.watermarkgrill.net.