Coming attractions
Lauded San Antonio chef brings Mexican fine dining to Olmos Park
An evolution in Mexican cuisine is coming soon to Olmos Park. Chef Arturo Fernández tells CultureMap that he is gearing up to open Evo Restaurant in mid-August. The eatery is taking over 201 E. Olmos Dr., the former site of Chez Vatel Bistro, which closed in early 2018.
Evo's focus, says Fernández, is on Mexican fine dining. Although best known around the Alamo City for his work at Fresh Horizons Catering and Castle Hill’s Spoon Eatery, Fernández has an impressive resume that includes an appointment as an ambassador of Mexican cuisine by the Mexican secretary of foreign relations.
The chef has also cooked at some of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, including a stint running Mexico City’s acclaimed Restuarante Raíz and another collaborating with chef Ferrán Adriá at the Michelin-starred El Bullí in Girona, Spain.
Fernández tells CultureMap that Evo will apply the techniques he learned during his time in Europe, but the “essence is Mexico.”
Though still tinkering with the menu, Fernández has been posting possible ideas on Facebook. Among the dishes are avant-garde preparations of burnt rice and cod delicately garnished with edible flowers and a sure-to-be decadent deshebrada offering with foie gras.
Once finalized, the dishes will be offered as a dégustation style prix fixe — a tasting menu style that focuses on engaging the senses through a series of small portions. Fernández says Evo will also offer a few a la carte options along with some vegan fare.
For drinks, Evo will offer a full bar but with a particular emphasis on pairing. “The star will be the wines,” says Fernández.
