Indulge in Elegance: Discover Crystal Cove's Elevated Private Dining Experience

Hidden away within Asador at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Crystal Cove is an intimate, elevated space designed for 12 guests. Elegant, exclusive, and immersive, the space combines refined ambiance, bespoke service, and chef-curated menus for a dining experience that feels both personal and unforgettable.

Here, every detail is orchestrated like a symphony, from crystal glassware and exclusive china, to storytelling from our culinary team that brings each dish to life. Guests enjoy wholly personalized experiences, from wine pairings and signature cocktails to seasonal menus crafted with inspiration and intention.

An inspired setting for any occasion, from intimate celebrations to private business dinners and unforgettable social gatherings. Crystal Cove delivers more than a meal, from keepsake printed menus to table side interactions with Chef Mason James; every detail is designed to be memorable.

Crystal Cove aspires to be Dallas' best-kept secret, the city's most coveted destination for private dining experiences where fine cuisine meets curated storytelling and quiet elegance.

For reservations in Crystal Cove, please scroll down to fill out the form below and a member of our team will connect with you.

For reservations in Asador, you can book through open table.

Chef Mason's passion for food began long before his professional journey. Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he grew up surrounded by family businesses rooted in flavor—his mother's side owned a seafood company, and his grandfather launched a salsa brand. "I love eating food even more than cooking it," Mason shares, explaining how his love of flavor sparked his desire to create.

At just 17, Mason began his culinary career as a line cook at the Renaissance St. Augustine Hotel, quickly rising to lead cook. He credits his early mentor, Kostas Anagnostou, with instilling the fundamentals of hard work, precision, and professionalism—qualities that fueled his ambition to one day lead a luxury property.

After three years, Mason joined The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where he trained under Executive Chef Rick Laughlin. Over six years, he advanced from Cook III to Sous Chef at Salt, one of only three AAA Five Diamond restaurants in Florida. "Salt gave me the foundations I needed as a chef," he recalls. "From breaking down proteins to making pasta from scratch, everything I know I learned there. While other chefs may have gone to culinary school, I went to Rick Laughlin University," he jokes.

To broaden his expertise, Mason transitioned to banquets in 2018, becoming Banquet Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. In 2020, he took on a task force role at the Inn at Perry Cabin, a luxury resort in Maryland, where he served as Executive Sous Chef under Gregory James. There, he oversaw a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, supported large-scale weddings, and even launched a golf course food truck—all while embracing the grit of nightly kitchen cleanups and navigating the challenges of the global pandemic, which further strengthened his resilience and work ethic.

Seeking new opportunities, Mason moved to Dallas in 2021 as Banquet Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, before returning "home" in 2023 to the Renaissance family as Executive Chef of the iconic Renaissance Dallas Hotel. Since then, he has infused pride and sophistication into both banquet and restaurant offerings. His leadership and passion for crafting memorable culinary experiences have helped elevate the hotel into the top 10 Renaissance properties in the U.S. for food quality.

Known for his creative approach and fine dining pedigree, Chef Mason now leads the hotel's newest venture, Crystal Cove—a private dining experience that showcases his signature style: bold, intriguing, and unforgettable. From his early days as a teenage line cook to helming the kitchens of a landmark Dallas hotel, Chef Mason embodies the city's maverick spirit, bringing passion and innovation to every dish.

We invite you to experience Chef Mason's bold culinary vision in Crystal Cove, where every bite tells a story.

For reservations in Crystal Cove, please scroll down to fill out the form below and a member of our team will connect with you.

For reservations in Asador, you can book through open table.