The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return April 19, so it’s only fitting that we spotlight the nominees for San Antonio Chef of the Year prior to the big event. We're celebrating the 10 San Antonio chefs that define good taste — and inspire us in our own kitchens.
We'll announce the winner during our tasting event and awards ceremony in Austin, once again emceed by Texas celebrity chef Tim Love.
Bruce Auden, Biga on the Banks
Chef Auden has been nominated for just about every accolade on the culinary planet, so it seems fitting that he should be among the top in town at every turn. Biga on the Banks is a go-to for the fine dining crowd, thanks to the amazing dishes, the expansive wine list, and the view.
Mark Bliss, Bliss
Chef Bliss can tackle any kind of protein or vegetable, however, his superpower remains his beloved chicken-fried oysters. Diners flock to Bliss for his celebrated ability to make every plate better than the next.
Stefan Bowers, Feast
Chef Bowers is over-the-top creative with his food, and it shows in every bite. His restaurants are a collective of culinary prowess — from brunches to pasta, Bowers always hits the mark on good food.
Luis Colon, Folc
Chef Colon has enjoyed many an accolade, from his top burger in Texas from Texas Monthly to his new concept being a neighborhood hit. Fans of Folc, rejoice: There will be a new and freshly moved Folc and Park Social opening soon — the fire damage couldn’t bring a great chef down.
Pedro Cuéllar, Grayze
Chef Cuéllar has been lighting up the scene as of late with his love of San Antonio cuisine that's apparent in every dish he rolls out on his neighborhood restaurant's menu. Grayze has been at the forefront of decadent and healthy food since its opening, and diners have flocked to the spot for each and every morsel.
Johnny Hernandez, La Gloria, El Machito, and The Frutería
Chef Hernandez has been busy as of late, opening restaurants across the pond, adding additional concepts in San Antonio, and celebrating authentic Mexico cuisine in all of them. Still, he remains committed to San Antonio and serves it well.
Geronimo Lopez, Botika
Chef Lopez has successfully created a thoughtful and stunningly stylish Asian-South American restaurant. The dishes range from the crowd favorite of octopus to some amazing sushi. It’s no wonder that Lopez excels in the arena of creative concepts; the former Culinary Institute of America instructor led an extraordinary venture, starting the CIA-run restaurant Nao prior to breaking out on his own.
Michael Sohocki, Restaurant Gwendolyn, Il Forno
Chef Sohocki’s time-treasured techniques never gets tiresome. He is constantly breaking into new ways of doing things, collaborating with other chefs, and sharing the secrets to his success.
Andrew Weissman, Il Sogno Osteria and Signature
Chef Weissman is committed to great service and high-end ingredients that come together magically. His newest restaurant, Signature, has proven to be another beautiful and delicious space up north.
Jeff White, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden
Chef White is legendary for his commitment to local farms and the infusion of fresh ingredients on his menus. People come from far and wide to garner a spot at his brunch tables.
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Buy tickets now to the Tastemaker Awards on April 19 at Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Learn more about the event here.
Geronimo Lopez, Botika.
