It's time to raise your glass to San Antonio and Austin's culinary rock stars: The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, our signature food and drink celebration, returns on April 10.

This has become one of the most popular food parties of the year, and at the heart of the event is our coveted awards program honoring the best restaurant and bar talent in the area.

Each year, CultureMap shines a spotlight on the people making the city's culinary scene special. First, we collaborate with a panel of experts, including previous Tastemaker winners, to determine the nominees. The panel then selects winners in every category, except Best New Restaurant, which will be determined by readers in our interactive tournament this spring.

In San Antonio, this year's categories are Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Favorite Taco, and Best New Restaurant. In Austin, they are Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Bar of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Wine Program of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Favorite Taco, and Best New Restaurant.

We'll unveil the nominees soon, and then you'll get to know them all in a special editorial series leading up to the big event.

Join us April 10 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin for the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards presented by Woodford Reserve, where you'll nosh on signature sweet and savory bites from participating nominees; sip wine, beer, and specialty cocktails from Woodford Reserve; and toast the winners at our awards ceremony.

Discounted tickets are on sale now. Through February 15, you can snag general admission tickets for $50 each or splurge on VIP admission, which includes early access to the event, a dedicated VIP bar, an elevated food pairing experience, and more, for $95.

Advanced general admission and VIP ticket sales will run through April 9 for $60 and $105, respectively. Day-of tickets will be available for $70 and $115. A portion of the proceeds benefits Austin Food & Wine Alliance.

Grab your tickets now, then follow along as we unveil the nominees and more delicious event details, and we'll see you at the party in April.