San Antonio Welcomes Michelin Inspection
San Antonio, a city known for its rich culture and incredible food scene, is gearing up for something special. Michelin, the prestigious restaurant guide famous for its star ratings, has decided to cast its discerning eyes on the Texas culinary landscape. After first launching in New York in 2005, Michelin is now making its way to the Lone Star State, but not without some financial commitment from the major cities being inspected. San Antonio’s tourism promotion group has invested a cool $270,000 to get this endeavor rolling, sparking excitement and curiosity among locals and foodies alike.
What’s Cooking?
The buzz has intensified with Texas Monthly releasing a list of restaurants across the five major cities that are likely to attract the Michelin inspectors. And here’s a surprise for San Antonio food enthusiasts—some beloved local haunts are in the mix, including Bohanan’s, Cured, and the intriguing Domingo located inside the trendy Canopy Hotel. However, some locals are scratching their heads thinking about what makes the list, especially with rising culinary stars like Domingo drawing attention from a high-profile guide like Michelin.
A Visit to Domingo
With curiosity piqued, I embarked on an evening trip to Domingo to see what all the fuss was about. Even though Michelin doesn’t explicitly rate ambiance, it seems to go hand in hand with their past ratings. Luckily, Domingo delivers with its historic charm featuring beautiful walls and a spacious outdoor area that overlooks the picturesque San Antonio River.
On a warm evening with temperatures soaring around 95 degrees, I arrived for my reservation at 6:45 p.m.. Surprisingly, I was seated outdoors, which got me wondering how this might affect a Michelin star rating—would tourists and families feel comfortable in a casual atmosphere, or would they be deterred by the idea of upscale dining and higher prices?
Appetizers That Wow
Service was prompt as menus arrived quickly, and before I knew it, a server was asking about drinks. Domingo’s drink menu had some promising cocktails, although I found a couple of them underwhelming. Still, drinks arrived swiftly, refreshing me amidst the Texas heat.
Starting off with appetizers, the skillet cornbread was pleasingly sweet and complemented beautifully by honey butter. The halibut ceviche, while boasting good flavors, was slightly off in texture and could have used a bit more citrus zing. A modern twist could easily elevate this classic dish.
Entrees & Overwhelming Portions
Next came the main courses, and here’s where I found a slight hiccup. The pacing of the meal seemed off, as everything arrived at once—definitely a challenge for my table space! Domingo tends to serve their dishes generously, a detail that might not sit well with Michelin’s emphasis on presentation.
I opted for the slow-roasted pork shoulder, a dish reminiscent of cochinita pibil but not labeled as such. The pork was flavorful, paired with sharp marinated onions and bright, fresh tortillas. Other entrees included green chile chicken enchiladas and Baja fish tacos, both well assembled but lacking a touch of flair.
Sweet Ending
To round out my meal, I tried the toasted chile brownie with Mexican vanilla ice cream. Served in a small skillet, this dessert was enjoyable but lacked the kick I anticipated from the chili infusion. The accompanying pepita brittle left something to desire in terms of crunch. There’s a good chance I just might be tighter with the portion sizes, realizing that its hearty servings tend to reflect South Texas’ culture.
Looking Ahead
The Michelin Texas awards will be announced on November 11 in Houston, and the culinary community is waiting with bated breath. Could Domingo snag a star, or will it be back to the drawing board? What’s certain is that San Antonio’s dining scene is ready to shine on a national stage.
As I wrapped up my visit, I reflected on the idea that Michelin may redefine what we expect from our local eateries and bring recognition to the amazing flavors that San Antonio has to offer. Here’s hoping for some big news come November!
