TOAST THE TASTEMAKERS
San Antonians gather to toast Alamo City's culinary scene during blowout Tastemakers
- Aaron Peña (l) and JC Salinas of Amor Eterno show off their Bar of the Year trophy.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Uncle Nearest served its award-winning whiskey to VIP guests.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- Paul Morales of Tacos Cucuy competed in the Burger Throwdown.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- The Halls of the Briscoe Museum were jam-packed with guests.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Attendees share a moment with an Epic Western Chispa.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- Guests took a moment to savor Allora's meatballs.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- Christopher Perez (l), Maddy Mendoza, Katherine Stinson, Brandon Watson, Natalia Prieto, and JC SalinasPhoto by Guillermo Rosas
- Robbie Nowlin shared his Chef of the Year win with his culinary team.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Bar Loretta executive chef Paul Peterson got serious for the Burger Throwdown.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- White fish in a lemon-egg sauce from Ladino.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- The Goodstock by Nolan Ryan team were out in full force.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- Drinks were provided by Uncle Nearest, Dripping Springs Vodka, Top Chico, Second Pitch, Viva, Epic Western, and Weathered Souls.Photo by Guillermo Rosas.
- Guests bid on items during Southern Smoke Foundation's Silent AuctionPhoto by Guillermo Rosas
- Cheers to another Tastemakers!Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Sarah Forganey rocked as the emcee.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Chef of the Year nominee Jesse "Kirk" Kuykendall and the Milpa team.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
- Topo Chico kept us hydrated all night long.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
We’ve only just recovered. After weeks of honoring the San Antonio bar and restaurant scene through a special editorial series, we finally crowned the winners on May 18 at a hotly anticipated party held at the Briscoe Museum. Guests sipped and savored while patiently waiting for us to reveal the champions.
During the exclusive VIP hour, guests received a first taste of the delicious bites from participating chefs. They also got in the first bids for silent auction items benefiting our nonprofit beneficiary, the Southern Smoke Foundation.
There were plenty of libations courtesy of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Dripping Springs Vodka, and Epic Western. Hometown brewers Viva, Weathered Souls, and Second Pitch kept guests quenched with plenty of brews, a perfect companion to Twang’s beer salt. Guests could also grab Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water to cool off on a hot day.
Once the doors officially opened, guests were tempted by an array of succulent dishes from the nominees. Ladino, a dual nominee for Best New Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year, wowed with agristada de pishkado — a white fish bite perfect for spring weather. Bar of the Year contender Moon’s Daughter showed their culinary acumen with lamb ragu hummus. And Rebelle spoiled attendees with East Coast oysters.
Finally, the crowd gathered to congratulate this year’s crop of honorees. Cheers filled the Briscoe’s halls as KENS 5 personality Sarah Forganey revealed the winners. Throughout the night, partygoers voted in the Burger Throwdown, presented by Goodstock by Nolan Ryan, giving Southtown's Bar Loretta the ultimate prize.
Robbie Nowlin of Allora and Arrosta was named Chef of the Year, while Sofia Tejeda of Hotel Emma nabbed the Pastry Chef of the Year award. Amor Eterno and Künstler Brewing won Bar of the Year and Best Brewery, respectively.
Then, three diverse restaurants scored in the restaurant categories. East side fave The Magpie got an early boost as Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, while CultureMap readers selected Reese Bros. BBQ as this year’s Best New Restaurant. Lastly, Pearl showcase Carriqui nabbed the biggest award of the evening — Restaurant of the Year.
It was heartwarming to see San Antonio’s culinary industry greats toasting their peers and the special connections forged between restaurants and their guests. Now that we have gotten some rest, we can’t wait to do it again next year!
