BEARD BUMMER

James Beard Awards pass over San Antonio restaurants once again

San Antonio's hopes of finally winning a James Beard Award were quashed on June 16 as both Alamo City finalists went home empty-handed. Mixtli was up for Outstanding Hospitality, and Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre made it to the final voting for Best Chef: Texas.

The James Beard Awards, widely considered the Oscars of the restaurant industry, recognize culinary prowess in a wide range of categories. The James Beard Foundation, the governing body of the awards, also honors excellence in several beverage categories, hospitality, and food writing.

Each year, a three-step process determines the final winner. San Antonio flaunted seven semifinalists in the January round. In addition to the Mixtli team and Oliva, several local chefs got nods in the regional Best Chef: Texas group:

Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone
Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
Grey Hwang, Shiro Japanese Bistro
John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes, Chika
Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento, El Pastor Es Mi Señor

Photo courtesy of Mixtli

Mixtli had high hopes of winning the Outstanding Hospitality category.

In April, Mixtli and Oliva made the cut to the finalist round. Mixtli has long been a James Beard darling, with nominations stretching back to 2018. This was the first finalist consideration for Oliva and Leche de Tigre — a coup for a restaurant that has barely been open for two years.

The latest Beard snub comes after years of disappointment starting in 2001 when Biga on the Bank's Bruce Auden became the city's first nominee for Best Chef: Southwest. Auden, Andrew Weissman, and Steve McHugh have received multiple hat tips in the category.

Texas professionals did take home four wins during the ceremony at Chicago Lyric Opera. Thomas Bille of Spring's Belly of the Beast won Best Chef: Texas, and Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's in Austin became the first winner of the new Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service Award.

Two other Texans received special honors. Chad Houser, founder of Cafe Momentum in Dallas, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award, and Houston-based journalist and scholar Toni Tipton-Martin received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Tacos y trejo

Actor Danny Trejo teases San Antonio taco joint during fan convention stop

Photo by Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

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Could actor Danny Trejo be eyeing San Antonio as the next location of his cult California taco chain? The Machete star offered hope for an Alamo City Trejo’s Tacos while in San Antonio on June 15 for the Big Texas Terror fan convention.

One of few Mexican-American actors working in Hollywood, Trejo first found fame playing baddies in From Dusk Till Dawn and Con Air. Later, he appeared in the Robert Rodriguez-directed Spy Kids franchise as Isador "Machete" Cortez. The role netted him two spin-off films as the leading man.

During a panel at the Henry B. González Convention Center, a fan asked Trejo if there were any plans to open a restaurant in the San Antonio area. Big Texas Terror shared a social media clip of the actor’s chuckling response.

“You know what, yes, we are trying to figure out where the locations stop,” said Trejo to hoots and applause.

He then went on to compare San Antonio’s charms to Austin. The Capital City fell short in Trejo’s estimation.

“People said, what about Austin,” he continued. “Well, Austin is just like…it’s different than San Antonio. San Antonio, people go out to dinner and go out to eat and stuff. In Austin, like there’s only Sixth Street. You go out to get drunk.”

Trejo's Tacos is a little like Chipotle — but with 100 percent more Trejo.Trejo's Tacos/ Facebook

Perhaps no one should clue Trejo into Austin’s booming dining scene. The concept is sure to thrive in either Texas city. Since 2016, Trejo’s Tacos has drawn raves for creative quick-service Mexican fare like mushroom asada tacos, fried chicken burritos, and barbacoa bowls.

Though no plans have been solidified to bring the popular chain to San Antonio, local fans can still get a taste of the famous foodie’s entrepreneurial endeavors. Trejo’s Cerveza, a crisp lager, is available at several liquor stores in the area.

You can watch the full clip from Big Texas Terror below.

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