The most delicious event of the year is almost here: CultureMap San Antonio's annual Tastemaker Awards.
Our signature tasting event and awards ceremony is happening Thursday, May 14 at the Briscoe Museum, bringing with it a whole buffet of chef-driven bites and perfectly paired sips that celebrate Alamo City's unique culinary scene.
Attendees get one delicious evening to sample to their hearts' content, with offerings prepared by the nominees for Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Rising Star Chef, Bar of the Year, Dessert Program of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Coffee Shop of the Year, and more.
Our judging panel of industry experts — including last year's Tastemaker champs — selects the nominees and winners, including this year's buzzy wildcard categories of Best Sandwich and Best Pop-Up.
However, you determine who wins Best New Restaurant via our online tournament, so be sure to make your votes count before the tournament ends May 12.
You'll want to come hungry (and thirsty!) to the Tastemaker Awards, considering what's on the menu from these restaurants:
- Anacacho Coffee & Cantina: Coffee cake and pastries served with cold brew coffee
- Asukar: An ode to Texas steak and potato and spring spice cake
- Best Quality Daughter: Deviled tea eggs
- Bilia Eatery: Cuban sandwiches
- El Pastor es Mi Señor: Tacos al pastor
- Howdy Child: Elote pasta
- Jots at Gunter Hotel: Southwest Texas gumbo
- Momo House: Pork and chicken Nepali-style momos
- Otto's Ice House: Pretzel bites and beer cheese
- Panifico Bake Shop: Mini pan dulce, Carlota cake, and cuatro leches cake
- South Barbecue: Surprise bite
- The Jerk Shack: Jerk pork belly tostadas
- Wok Wey: Spicy garlic chicken
Specialty drinks from this year's nominees include:
- Estate Coffee: Espresso martini
- Rose Hip Market: Cold brew and cinnamon vanilla lattes
To help further wet your whistle, sip on brews from Lone Star Beer; cocktails featuring Maker's Mark Bourbon, Fords Gin, and Diplomático Rum. Don't imbibe? No worries. There will be mocktails featuring Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof. And everyone can stay hydrated thanks to our water sponsors, S. Pelligrino and Acqua Panna.
Stay up to date on all things Tastemaker with our special editorial series of stories spotlighting the nominees.
Limited VIP passes remain, and it's obvious why they're such a hot ticket: Gain entry to the event a full hour early and get exclusive access to the VIP bar. General admission tickets are also available but are selling fast, so act now to secure your spot at San Antonio's most delicious night. We'll see you May 14!
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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is sponsored in San Antonio by NXT LVL EVENT, Maker's Mark, Lone Star Beer, Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, Marine Foods Express, S.Pellegrino Acqua Panna, Diplomático Rum, Fords Gin, and more to be announced. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, Culinaria.
