This week on the Big City Small Town podcast, Robert Rivard, founder of the San Antonio Report, delves into the illustrious history of Biga on the Banks, featuring insights from its owner and chef, Bruce Auden. The discussion highlights 25 years of dynamic presence and influence in the San Antonio dining landscape.

The Origins of Biga on the Banks

Joining Rivard in this engaging conversation is Perny Shea, Biga’s partner and director of special events. The trio examines how Biga began on the scenic River Walk and traced its journey towards national recognition within the culinary industry. Chef Auden recalls the early days at Polo’s, a pioneering restaurant at the Fairmount Hotel, which was instrumental in redefining fine dining in the region.

A Culinary Journey

Reflecting on a significant career transition, Rivard narrates an anecdote from the late 1980s, when he interviewed for a position in San Antonio and met Chef Auden at Polo’s. His experience there left a lasting impression, especially as he compared it to the exclusive dining venues he had frequented while reporting in New York. “I was quite surprised,” recalled Rivard about the quality of the meal, stating, “This is really good.”

Auden’s Contribution to San Antonio’s Culinary Scene

Chef Auden’s expertise soon brought Biga to prominence after he departed from Polo’s. “I met a lot of great people from the kitchen who accompanied me from the Fairmount to open the first Biga, located on Locust Street in the Monte Vista area,” Auden shared. The restaurant thrived for nearly a decade, after which it relocated to its current picturesque spot alongside the River Walk.

Looking Ahead

Listeners can discover more about Biga’s influence on many prominent chefs in the locality, the implications of San Antonio’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for local culinary practices, and details surrounding a forthcoming 25th-anniversary event. This celebration aims to support the San Antonio Food Bank and St. Philip’s Culinary and Hospitality School.

To listen to the full episode and learn more about Biga’s significant legacy, check out the embed below: