News Summary
San Antonio’s culinary scene is thriving as Mixtli and Leche de Tigre reach the finals of the 2025 James Beard Awards. Mixtli earns a Michelin star and nominations for Outstanding Hospitality, while Leche de Tigre’s chef is nominated for Best Chef: Texas. Both establishments showcase the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio and aim to bring home prestigious accolades.
San Antonio Shines Bright at the 2025 James Beard Awards
Exciting news is swirling around the vibrant culinary scene in San Antonio as local chefs grab the spotlight. Two of the city’s hottest dining establishments, Mixtli and Leche de Tigre, have made their mark by reaching the finals of the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards! That’s right, folks—San Antonio is not just about tacos and enchiladas anymore; we have Michelin stars and James Beard nominations to celebrate!
Mixtli: A Michelin Marvel
Mixtli, led by the talented chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, just snagged a Michelin star at the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide awards in Houston. This means Mixtli is now San Antonio’s first Michelin-starred restaurant—a huge milestone for the local culinary scene! Adding to their accolades, Mixtli’s sommelier, Hailey Pruitt, and bar director, Lauren Beckman, received a special award for Outstanding Service.
But the triumph doesn’t stop there! Mixtli is also nominated for the Outstanding Hospitality category in the James Beard Foundation’s 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards. This category recognizes establishments that truly make diners feel welcome while delivering top-notch food and service. It’s a first for Mixtli, making their journey even more exciting!
Leche de Tigre: A Taste of Peru
On the other hand, Leche de Tigre, a charming spot specializing in delicious Peruvian-style seafood, has also earned its place in the spotlight. Chef Emil Oliva has been nominated for Best Chef: Texas in the James Beard Awards. During its Texas debut in November, Leche de Tigre also received a “recommended” status in the Michelin Guide, marking a fantastic start for this culinary gem.
Finalists Unveiled
The James Beard Foundation has carefully selected its finalists, narrowing down categories to just five contenders. The winners will be announced on June 16 in Chicago, and San Antonio is eager to see if it can finally snag a coveted James Beard Award after over 20 years of nominations since the first nod for Biga on the Banks’ owner Bruce Auden. This year’s nominees for Best Chef: Texas include other talented chefs like Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin (Best Quality Daughter), Leo Davila (Stixs & Stone), and Grey Hwang (Shiro Japanese Bistro), among others.
Celebrating Culinary Heritage
Mixtli, which translates to “cloud” in Nahuatl, aims to provide diners with a culinary journey through Mexican history. Its commitment to cultural representation within San Antonio’s food scene is clear, and the restaurant is one of only 15 in Texas to receive a Michelin star and one of merely 253 across the U.S.
Both nominated eateries exemplify a strong commitment to community and culture, weaving together a rich tapestry of flavors that represent the heart of San Antonio. Emil Oliva has expressed that being recognized as a finalist feels surreal yet deeply humbling for both him and his hardworking team. It’s a testament to their dedication and passion for food!
New Horizons for San Antonio’s Culinary Scene
This year’s James Beard Awards will also feature new categories focused on the beverage sector, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of drinks in the dining experience. It’s a thrilling time to be a San Antonio foodie!
As the countdown to the awards continues, anticipation hangs thick in the air. Will Mixtli and Leche de Tigre pave the way for San Antonio’s culinary future and claim their spots in culinary history? We can hardly wait to find out!
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Additional Resources
- Axios San Antonio
- Wikipedia: James Beard Awards
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Search: James Beard Awards 2025 San Antonio
- KENS5 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: James Beard Awards Texas
- San Antonio Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Beard Awards
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Google News: James Beard Awards 2025
