San Antonio Celebrates Culinary Superstars at 3rd Annual Tastemaker Awards Party

Best of the City’s Cuisine Honored in Grand Festival

The vibrant city of San Antonio was the proud host of the third annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards on April 4, 2024. The event brought together culinary enthusiasts, foodie critics, and the city’s best Chefs and mixologists. Thanks, to all the nominees and attendees. The passionate city celebrated its rich and diversified culinary culture and talent in a big way. Weeks of anticipation that started with honors for the nominees in a series of editorials ended with the blockbuster event at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

A Night to Remember

Guests including proud San Antonians and visitors thronged the venue, cheering for nominated chefs, sipping a variety of drinks, and relishing delicious food from nominated restaurants. A part of the ticket sales was donated to the Texas Food and Wine Alliance, showing that the event was not just about indulgence, but also about giving back to the society.

Seven Stars of the Night

At the end of the fun-filled evening, winners in seven categories were announced amidst loud cheering. The Jerk Shack’s Nicola Blaque was crowned Chef of the Year, while Jenn Riesman of Rooster Crow Bakery clinched the Pastry Chef of the Year award. Bar Loretta and Weathered Souls Brewing Co. won Bar of the Year and Best Brewery, respectively. Apart from individual practitioners, three establishments also got their moment under the sun. The Good Kind Southtown was awarded the wildcard for Best Patio, Clementine as Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year,and CultureMap readers selected Thai Bird as this year’s Best New Restaurant.

Good Vibes and Great Variety

The jubilant atmosphere echoed with chatter, laughter, clinking glasses, and sounds of merriment. The event was a feast for the senses, with an array of flavors, aromas, colors, and textures seamlessly blending into each other. One could taste meticulously crafted nigiri from Nineteen Hyaku, snack on marinated bamboo shoots from Best Quality Daughter, and indulge in a luxurious PB&J tuck-in from Full Goods Diner. The non-alcoholic options were refreshing too, with creamy lattes from 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee and ice-cold water from Topo Chico Mineral Water.

Big Win of the Night

It was quite a night for the city’s culinary community when Leche de Tigre, a charming restaurant in the King William neighborhood, was recognized as Restaurant of the Year. The crowd erupted in applause, epitomizing the joy and connectedness the Tastemaker Awards fostered.

Until Next Time

The third annual Tastemaker Awards party left lasting memories and set the stage for an equally exciting celebration next year. The event congratulated and thanked all the winners, participants, and attendees and expressed hope and excitement to meet again at the next edition of awards. The vibrant culinary culture of San Antonio got a notch up, and its celebration brought cheers and applause in the heart of every attendee.