On Friday, Chef Berty Richter received an unexpected wave of congratulations from far-off friends, as news broke that his Mediterranean grill, Ladino, had been honored with the prestigious title of Restaurant of the Year at the CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards. The ceremony took place on Thursday, coinciding with Richter’s celebration of Passover in Israel.

A Celebration of Family and Culture

Richter expressed his joy over the award while speaking from Tel Aviv, where he planned to celebrate the holiday surrounded by family for the first time in 15 years. He immediately shared the news with his mother, Luna Richter, who had been instrumental in guiding him through his culinary journey.

“She was laughing and crying,” Berty noted, emphasizing how significant this achievement was for their family, who identify as Sephardic Jews. “When we opened Ladino, it was a lifelong dream to pay homage to the family and culture,” he added.

From Israel to New York: The Journey of a Chef

Richter’s culinary journey began in his family kitchen outside Tel Aviv, where he learned to cook alongside his mother and grandmother. As a young chef, he moved to New York City, where he took a position at Tribeca Grill in 2001. This restaurant, co-owned by actor Robert De Niro, marked the beginning of significant professional growth for Richter.

In a fateful twist, Richter attended a birthday lunch at Windows of the World just weeks before the tragic events of September 11, 2001. He was encouraged to apply for a job at the restaurant by the chef, Michael Lomonaco, who was unfortunately absent during a crucial staff meeting that day, leading to his survival.

Reflecting on these pivotal moments, Richter stated, “I chose to stay at Tribeca, and the next year and a half was amazing,” leading him to establish a solid reputation in the culinary world.

The Rise of Ladino

After 15 years in New York, Richter sought a change, resonating with the lyric “Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.” He relocated to Austin with his wife, eventually opening a food truck before settling in San Antonio to launch Ladino, which pays tribute to the culinary traditions of his youth.

Under his leadership, Ladino gained recognition for its distinct Jewish-Balkan cuisine, earning a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide in 2024. The restaurant is known for its vibrant flavors and inviting atmosphere, featuring dishes such as fire-roasted corn with labneh, served alongside freshly made sourdough pita.

The Impact of the Tastemaker Awards

Though Richter could not attend the Tastemaker Awards himself, his team celebrated the accolade on his behalf. Corporate chef Danny Parada praised Richter’s leadership, stating, “There’s a joy and warmth he brings to the restaurant that’s truly special. He doesn’t just make food. He tells a story with it.”

Richter’s dedication to storytelling extends to the menu, particularly with a dish that holds personal significance—agristada de pishkado. This cherished family recipe, prepared by Richter’s grandmother during Jewish holidays, continues to be a highlight for many who dine at Ladino.

Preparing for a Family Celebration

Following the recognition at the awards, Richter felt a renewed connection to his roots as he prepares to make agristada de pishkado for his family’s Passover celebration, ensuring that the culinary legacy of his grandmother lives on in his cooking.