Yes Chef

Hotel Emma announces new executive chef for signature restaurant and beyond

Jorge Luis Hernández is the new executive chef at Hotel Emma.

Courtesy of Hotel Emma

One of San Antonio's premier dining destinations dropped an exciting announcement on August 25: Hotel Emma has hired Jorge Luis Hernández as executive chef to oversee the entire property's culinary program.

A San Antonio native, Hernández will shape the offerings at Supper (American Eatery), Sternewirth bar and clubroom, and Larder (fine groceries and provisions), as well as the hotel's curated banquets, in-room dining, and poolside menu.

With more than 15 years of experience, including extensive Michelin training through the renowned Think Food Group from culinary giant Chef José Andrés, Hernández will continue to elevate Hotel Emma's already exceptional culinary offerings.

“As a San Antonio native, it brings me tremendous joy to return to my roots by joining the vanguard team at Hotel Emma. Throughout my career, I have eagerly witnessed the impressive growth and evolution of San Antonio’s culinary scene. I am honored to embark on this next chapter of my life, make my mark on the city and be a part of the timeless Hotel Emma story,” says Hernández of his new role.

Most recently, Hernández served as culinary director for the Mighty Union, overseeing operations and culinary programming for the Carpenter Hotel ATX and the Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters, Oregon. He also served as head chef at Michelin 2-star minibar by José Andrés, specializing in both traditional and avant-garde cuisine.

Combining influences from his Mexican and Greek heritage for the hotel's new menu, Hernández plans to deliver a multicultural dining experience fused with his Texas roots. He will infuse his deep understanding of San Antonio to illustrate the property’s rich history, blending local, seasonal ingredients with distinct products to offer unique, sensorial experiences for a lasting impression.

Highlights of the new menu will include: broiled oysters in the style of a Hangtown Fry; chorizo and clams, a textural and cultural adaptation of New England Clam Chowder; and Spanish-style huevo frit with rajas de poblano, combining Spanish and Mexican flavors.

Hernández takes over from acclaimed chef John Brand, who is moving into a new role as director of culinary endeavors. Brand will continue to oversee the development and growth of the Pearl district, as well as Hotel Emma’s culinary offerings throughout the U.S., leading the charge in national brand partnerships, collaborations, pop-ups, and more.

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NEWS YOU CAN EAT

3 closures and a holiday miracle wrap up San Antonio restaurant news

San Taco/ Facebook

San Taco will shutter at the end of December.

Fair warning: the last San Antonio food news round-up before Christmas isn't as jolly as we had hoped. This week, three restaurants revealed they will not make it until the new year. Never fret, Hallmark addicts. There's a reason to don gay apparel when you read to the very end.

Openings and closings

One of Alamo City's most well-regarded taquerias is wrapping up business. The San Antonio Express-Newsfirst reported that midtown's San Taco would shutter to allow owners Gaby Hinojosa and Charlie Gonzalez time to focus on their other projects, including their first child. The restaurant publicly confirmed the closure through a shared Instagram post with local influencer South Texas Foodie. Opened in October 2022, San Taco was widely praised locally and earned a spot on Texas Monthly's inaugural top 50 tacos list. Hinojosa and Gonzalez's other businesses, Panfila Cantina and Tutto Pepe, will remain open.

Carpenter Carpenter Hospitality is reeling in Grayson Street's Go Fish. The restaurant debuted in January 2023 but never quite found its footing. In October, it relaunched as an oyster bar, the latest in several menu shifts. Although the social media announcement did not give a date for the closure, it appears to be immediate.

Axeshack has been prematurely chopped from Cibolo's growing culinary scene. The axe-throwing bar and restaurant posted a Dear John letter on the San Antonio Restaurants Facebook group, explaining a recent fire inspection required a vent hood that the owners could not afford. The last day of business will be December 29.

Twist! Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant is ending a very M. Knight Shyamalan year with a reopening. In July, the iconic San Antonio filed for Chapter Seven bankruptcy, citing almost $346,000 in debt. In August, owner William "Goro" Pitchford reported the concept was gone for good. Via comments on the San Antonio Restaurants post, an employee confirmed the restaurant is back in action under a new owner, Steve Han.

Saucy deep South chain Taziki's is expanding westward. According to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records, the Birmingham, Alabama-based franchise is planning its first San Antonio location at 22103 Bulverde Rd #104. The broadly Mediterranean restaurant mixes gyros, salads, and mezze with Southern surprises like pimento cheese. It is also one of the more responsible players in the nation's fast-casual scene, earning REAL certification from the United States Healthful Food Council.

Other news and notes

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus — or at least some semblance of holiday magic left in San Antonio's gloomy hospitality year. On December 10, Woodlawn Lake juice shop The Lemon Girls became the latest local business to ask for support weathering the currently rocky hospitality climes. On December 17, it was one of 30 U.S. businesses to receive a Queer to Stay grant from the Human Rights Campaign. Launched in the pandemic, the yearly grants support needful businesses that serve the LGBTQIA+ community.

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