San Antonio Shines at the First Texas Michelin Guide Ceremony
Last night, the vibrant city of San Antonio took center stage as the Michelin Guide held its inaugural ceremony honoring Texas restaurants in Houston. To say it was an exciting evening would be an understatement! The culinary talent from our beloved city was not just present; we absolutely stole the show with a series of incredible accolades.
Mayor Nirenberg Celebrates Local Culinary Gems
Reactions poured in from local restaurants, chefs, and even the city’s very own mayor, Ron Nirenberg. “I can’t say I’m surprised with all of our local culinary gems bringing San Antonio national recognition,” Nirenberg expressed on social media, giving a special shoutout to Mixtli, which was celebrated as the city’s first Michelin Star recipient. “A true achievement for our community!”
Mixtli’s Big Night
Chef Diego Galicia and his team behind Mixtli truly made history. Not only did they snag the city’s first Michelin Star, a prestigious honor in the culinary universe, but they also received the Michelin Service Award, specifically highlighting their exceptional wine and bar program. “It’s amazing to see the name San Antonio on screens like that,” Galicia shared excitedly, reflecting on the momentous occasion. “We knew we were in the right place for us to showcase our food, our restaurant.”
Galicia couldn’t help but get personal, admitting, “On a personal note, it’s surreal, because for Mixtli, nothing has been easy. It’s hard to put into words because it’s all emotion, and we’re still in disbelief.”
Bib Gourmand Winners Shine Bright
But that wasn’t the end of the accolades for San Antonio. A selection of our local restaurants was honored with the coveted Bib Gourmand, which recognizes establishments for offering incredible meals at accessible prices. Chef Nicola Blaque proudly accepted this recognition on behalf of her upbeat eatery, The Jerk Shack. “I’ve been out of the Army for over 10 years now, and receiving this award on Veterans Day was the best feeling,” she declared. “It all came full circle yesterday for me.”
Other standout winners in the Bib Gourmand category included Cullum’s Attaboy, Ladino, and Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, with Philippe Place, co-owner of Southerleigh, expressing on social media how “incredibly proud” he was of his team.
A Surprise for Garcia’s Mexican Food
And let’s not forget a true San Antonio staple, Garcia’s Mexican Food, which received a recommendation in the Michelin Guide. Co-owner John Garcia shared his surprise, stating, “It was a complete surprise. We didn’t know, we weren’t notified or anything. I kind of found out last night like everyone else did.” His family has been serving the community since 1962, attributing their longevity to dedicated teamwork and quality ingredients.
Heartfelt Statements from the Pearl
The culinary hub of Pearl in San Antonio had a significant presence at the Michelin ceremony, with representatives sending heartfelt statements regarding Michelin’s recognition. They emphasized their commitment to culinary excellence and the future generation of talented chefs who will continue to elevate San Antonio’s gastronomic reputation.
Excited Chefs Reflect on the Night
Attending the ceremony was nothing short of inspiring, as Chef Emil Oliva from Leche de Tigre remarked, “We’re super, super excited. It’s really an honor to just be in a room with so much talent. It fuels us creatively for the future.”
Indeed, this special night was not just about the awards; it was a celebration of community, dedication, and culinary artistry. With the spotlight firmly planted on San Antonio, it’s clear that our city is on the rise in the culinary scene. Everyone’s looking forward to what delicious adventures lie ahead!
