Tastemakers Returns
Favorite food and drink event returns to toast San Antonio's Tastemakers
UPDATE: The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, originally scheduled for April 16, will now be held on July 23. The story has been updated with the new date.
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For local gourmands, spring has become synonymous with our tastiest event of the year: the annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, honoring the top restaurant and bar talent in Austin and San Antonio.
The can't-miss celebration of food and drink comes to Austin's Brazos Hall on Thursday, July 23, with a full menu of bites, sips, and culinary stars.
The evening begins with our signature tasting event. You'll dine on savory and sweet selections from participating nominees and sample signature cocktails, beer, bubbly, and more. The night culminates in our coveted awards ceremony, where the 2020 winners from both cities will be revealed.
Our Tastemaker Awards program honors the people making a difference in the Austin and San Antonio restaurant and bar scenes right now. We collaborated with a panel of experts, including previous Tastemaker winners, to determine nominees in numerous categories. Our judges then select a winner in each category, except Best New Restaurant, which will be determined by readers in our lively tournament.
In San Antonio, this year's categories are: Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Best Queso, and Best New Restaurant.
In Austin, we'll honor Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Wine Program of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Best Queso, and Best New Restaurant.
We'll spotlight all of the nominees in our special editorial series, but you'll have to wait until the big event to find out who wins.
So join us on July 23 for the culinary celebration of the season. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now for just $50 (general admission) and $99 (VIP). Those who splurge on VIP will get exclusive early admission to the event, plus complimentary valet, a dedicated bar, and an elevated food pairing experience.
Prices will increase soon, so snag yours now. Then follow along as we reveal more delicious details.
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The event is brought to you by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dripping Springs Vodka, and Topo Chico, and Grandes Vinos. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.