San Antonio’s eating scene is now not divided by elitist concepts — a truth exemplified by CultureMap’s 10 nominees for the 2025 Tastemaker Award for Chef of the Yr. Some contenders make superbly plated dishes, and others make burgers. However every has a expertise that transcends preconceptions of excessive and low.
Want additional proof? Learn beneath to see every chef’s singular strategy to meals earlier than our April 10 Tastemaker Awards ceremony and tasting occasion at Briscoe Museum. We’ll honor town’s meals and beverage all-stars whereas savoring bites from a few of Alamo Metropolis’s finest eating places (here is a sneak peek of the scrumptious menu). A couple of tickets are nonetheless obtainable, however it’s promoting out shortly.
Earlier than the massive day, make amends for all of the Tastemaker nominees by our particular editorial collection and assist native companies as a lot as doable. This yr’s slate of culinary greats ought to get you began.
With out additional ado, listed here are the nominees for Chef of the Yr:
Berty Richter,LadinoRichter first got here to our consideration by an Austin meals truck serving velvety hummus. Since then, his star has solely brightened. His superlative hummus remains to be on the menu at Pearl’s easy Ladino, joined now by up to date takes on historical Mediterranean fare. Strive the shishbarak, beef and lamb dumplings anchored by smoked chilis.
Christopher Cullum, Cullum’s AttaboyWhile a few of his contemporaries jostle to show their originality, Cullum’s delicacies is firmly rooted in nostalgia. At Attaboy, he riffs on potato donuts, floating island desserts, and breakfast sandwiches that may make any New York Metropolis bodega proprietor weep. Nonetheless, the tour de pressure is a French omelet capped with caviar. Simplicity has by no means been extra dazzling.
David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes, Burnt Bean Co.The 2 pitmasters behind this red-hot Seguin joint know a number of issues about smoked meats, having stomped the also-rans on the Texas barbecue circuit individually. The pair’s fall-apart brisket, coated in a peppery bark, is a testomony to the ability of becoming a member of forces. Do not skip the Tex-Mex and Southern sides; they’ve all of the magic of sausage and ribs.
Emil Oliva, Leche de TigreFew native cooks have had as meteoric of an increase as Oliva, who was not too long ago named a James Beard Award finalist. Then once more, few San Antonio dishes are as electrical as his ceviche Nikkei spiked with tamarind ponzu and aji limo. By way of dizzyingly tasty renditions of basic Peruvian fare like lomo saltado and chaufa, the Southtown chef exhibits town the chances of Latin delicacies.
Francisco Estrada and Lizzeth Martinez, Naco Mexican EateryIf breakfast is crucial meal of the day, why is it so typically an afterthought? This husband-and-wife duo bucks that pattern with Mexico Metropolis chilaquiles which are virtually galvanic. The pair’s zippy inexperienced sauce would possibly take the crown in a metropolis of salsas. Dousing steak asada, it is a close to miracle.
Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Greatest High quality DaughterIn some methods, Dobbertin’s Pearl restaurant is an immersive set up. From the wallpaper to the distinctive title to a menu that riffs on undervalued meals, each ingredient is infused with the id of Asian-American ladies. The chef’s explicit present is in making an mental endeavor equally visceral. Her Korean corn cheese spring rolls are a pleasure that wants no clarification.
John Russ, ClementineRuss earned his chops within the luxurious sector, starting his culinary profession on the Ritz Carlton and the tony Capella Resort Group. Nonetheless, the neighborhood eating places he remembers from his New Orleans youth extra absolutely outlined his strategy to eating. Dishes like recent berries paired with pickled ramps and creamy stracciatella present his finesse with cautious sourcing and a world palate. They nonetheless have the convenience of a Sunday household supper.
Leo DavilaDavila’s signature dish on the not too long ago shuttered Stixs & Stone, a Huge Purple & barbacoa taco flight, did one thing outstanding. Although the chef included chef-y touches like pecan pesto and pickled watermelon rind to the dish, it proved the workaday flavors of San Antonio had been as essential as haute delicacies. Gatekeeping by no means serves gastronomy effectively. This chef knocked down the limitations with a soda-infused tortilla. We sit up for seeing his future work on the St. Anthony Resort.
Paul Petersen, Bar LorettaChefs are steadily known as “rock stars,” however few have the bona fides to stay as much as the title. Petersen really frolicked as a heavy hitting drummer. At the moment, he reserves that thunder for making expressive meals that riffs off conventional types whereas leaving loads of room for improvisation. His present menu consists of some fairly steel concepts, from a harvest pork chop with cranberry mostarda to foie gras buñuelos.
Stefan Bowers, PumpersBowers was identified round city for a few years among the many high tier of nice eating cooks. Whereas many had been reeling from the worldwide pandemic, he let unfastened, creating certainly one of San Antonio’s wildest ideas. The model voice is edgy, the social media is a riot, and the vibe is extra punk than Max’s Kansas Metropolis. Extra importantly, the burgers, scorching canines, and late-night waffles eat like an influence ballad.
The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is delivered to you by The Yuengling Firm, Jim Beam Black, Hornitos, Reyka Vodka, H-E-B, PicMe Occasions, and extra to be introduced quickly. A portion of the proceeds will profit our nonprofit accomplice, Culinaria.
