The Accidental Innkeeper

It was a blessing when I met this unique property's Innkeeper. We have been friends and cohorts ever since. I have had the privilege of cooking breakfast for some of his notable guests, participating in a B & B recipe competition nationwide, curating local art shows, and talking about San Antonio over food with many newly made friends. He is a father of three, a community builder, a real estate investor, and a visionary. The Riverwalk could not ask for a better steward.

Dr. Roland Cavazos, also known as the "Accidental Innkeeper," truthfully never meant to get into the business. "I must pay homage to Arthur Darling Zucht, III, also known as A.D. He was ahead of his time, a third-generation dentist and the first Innkeeper. It takes a specific person to fix and care for these old homes. If he had not taken care of this property, it would have become a vacant lot or a condo development. It's a weird coincidence that we were both dentists, but as a dentist, I am used to improving things, taking care of things, and being very creative. I got the bug to move Downtown and have a home on the river. I stayed at the Inn, went on a balloon ride with A.D., and exchanged stories of our common interests. I was hooked. Then, like a miracle, The Inn and the other properties came up for sale. If I have to buy the whole property, I will have to operate it too. Well, A.D. did it, and I will too! I read the reviews and did what had to be done. I love unique things. It comforts me to think about how many families used these rooms and porches over the years, and it's still serving for shelter and enjoyment. The Inn became an extraordinary passion for me." And the rest is history.

The Inn on the Riverwalk is tucked away on a peaceful stretch of the San Antonio Riverwalk, surrounded by walking trails, ducks, Downtown, and Southtown. The Inn consists of three early 1900-era homes featuring 13 luxury suites at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac nestled under a canopy of trees. After eight years as the Innkeeper, Roland, his stellar staff, and guests from all over are still enjoying this 107-year-old property. Mia, the sweet Corgi, is the Inns welcoming party, and the custom-built chicken coop renders fresh farm eggs daily. Nothing like waking up to the smell of home cooking! Breakfast is served in the main house dining room each morning and is simply delicious. The creative kitchen staff serves up crispy french toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, and huevos rancheros, to name a few. There is always coffee and flavored water available in the big house. Roland joins his guests for breakfast most mornings, telling stories and recommending delicious local eateries and destinations.

Recently there has been a new appreciation for Bed and Breakfasts. The ideas are endless! People are looking for smaller properties where special memories can be made with their families, friends, and colleagues. In addition, Roland recently acquired a 200-year-old Log Cabin brought to San Antonio by developer Tracy Hammer in the late 90s from Tennessee. It had been rebuilt log by log and restored into an authentic Log Cabin style Bed and Breakfast for groups and special events. The entire property is ideal for corporate events, small business mixers, luncheons, Reunions, and intimate weddings.

While cooking at the Inn, I made pancakes on Sundays! My recipe is out of this world! I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!!!

Simple and Fluffy Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups whole milk

1/4 cup melted butter

2 teaspoons pure vanilla

1 large egg

1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the milk, slightly cooled melted butter, vanilla, and egg.

2. Use a wire whisk to mix the wet ingredients before slowly folding them into the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. (It's okay if there are a couple of lumps) If the batter is too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of extra milk,

3. Set the batter aside and allow it to rest while heating your pan or griddle.

4. Heat a nonstick griddle over low-medium heat and wipe over with a bit of butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle/pan and spread out gently into a round shape with the back of your ladle.

5. When the underside is golden and bubbles appear on the surface, flip with a spatula and cook until golden. Repeat with the remaining batter,

6. Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or honey. Or your desire.

For Information:

Inn on the Riverwalk, 129 Woodward Place, San Antonio, Texas 78204

210-225-6333 | 800-730-0019 innkeeper@innontheriverwalk.com