News Summary
The 2025 CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards showcased the city’s vibrant culinary scene on April 10 at the Briscoe Museum. Attended by food enthusiasts, the event honored top restaurants, chefs, and bars, highlighting the richness of San Antonio’s flavors while benefiting the nonprofit organization Culinaria. Notable winners included Ladino for Restaurant of the Year and John Russ as Chef of the Year, reflecting a dedication to excellence and community spirit in the local food industry.
San Antonio Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
San Antonio was buzzing with excitement as the 2025 CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards took place on April 10 at the scenic Briscoe Museum. This wonderful gathering celebrated the best and brightest in the city’s culinary scene, showcasing a wide variety of restaurants, bars, chefs, and culinary personalities. With KENS-5 afternoon anchor Sarah Forgany at the helm as the emcee, the event lured a fantastic crowd of food lovers, all eager for a taste of the local flavors.
The evening was filled with delightful possibilities, as guests had the chance to indulge in both savory and sweet samples from nominated restaurants. With drinks generously provided by event sponsors, the atmosphere was lively and buzzing with excitement. As attendees munched on delectable bites, they also contributed to a noble cause, as a portion of the tickets sold benefited the nonprofit organization Culinaria, further enhancing the community spirit of the event.
A Showcase of Award Winners
Among the standout achievers of the evening, the winners of the prestigious awards truly highlighted the culinary excellence found in San Antonio:
- Restaurant of the Year: Ladino – This unique establishment, named after a language, brings together eclectic elements from various Mediterranean cultures. Patrons can feast on contemporary Mediterranean dishes, including signature hummus and inventive versions of shawarma that leave a lasting impression.
- Chef of the Year: John Russ, of Clementine – With a rich background in luxury culinary establishments like the Ritz-Carlton, Chef John Russ is known for his innovative dishes that combine global influences with comforting, familiar touches. His creations, such as berries paired with pickled ramps, highlight his skill in weaving together various flavors harmoniously.
- Best New Restaurant: Freight Fried Chicken – Located in the thriving Bottling Department food hall, this eatery is a tribute to Black women entrepreneurs during the Emancipation era. Their traditional dry batter fried chicken, served alongside Southern classics like fried corn and mac ‘n’ cheese, has quickly become a local favorite.
- Pastry Chef of the Year: Alessia Benavides, of Chocolatl – From humble beginnings as an online business, Chocolatl has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar haven for dessert lovers. With visually stunning bonbons that boast exotic flavor combinations, Alessia has truly elevated the local dessert scene.
- Bar of the Year: Gimme Gimme – Nestled in Southtown, this bar features a minimalist design but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Lauded for its expertly crafted cocktails and welcoming staff, it is a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind with a drink in hand.
- Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Cullum’s Attagirl – Located in Tobin Hill, this charming establishment exudes nostalgia with its decor. It specializes in Southern dishes that are as vibrant as the atmosphere itself.
- Brewery of the Year: Roadmap Brewing Co. – Renowned for its award-winning beers and rotating selections, including a popular New England IPA series, this brewery showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local brew masters.
- Wildcard: Best Coffee Shop: Folklores Coffee House – With its punk-inspired decor centered around individuality and community support, this coffee shop stands out for its unique flavors and dedication to serving quality brews.
The awards ceremony highlighted not just the culinary skills of the winners but also the warmth, hospitality, and commitment that San Antonio has to offer. The impactful presence of sponsors such as The Yuengling Company, H-E-B, and Jim Beam Black underscored the collaborative spirit that drives the local food scene. As the night came to a close, attendees surely left with full bellies and warm hearts, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for San Antonio’s thriving culinary landscape.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio: 2025 Tastemaker Awards Winners
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- CultureMap San Antonio: Weekend Events April 10, 2025
- Google Search: Culinaria San Antonio
- CultureMap San Antonio: Tastemaker Awards 2025 Nominees
- Google Scholar: San Antonio culinary scene
- CultureMap San Antonio: Best Chefs Tastemaker Awards 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio history
- CultureMap San Antonio: Best Restaurants Tastemaker Awards 2025
- Google News: San Antonio food awards
