The annual CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards took place at the Briscoe Museum, where several notable establishments and individuals in the culinary scene were honored.

Major Winners

Among the top accolades, Mediterranean grill Ladino, led by corporate chef Danny Parada, received the award for Outstanding Restaurant. Chef John Russ of Clementine earned the title of Chef of the Year, distinguishing himself in a competitive field.

“A lot of hard work went into Ladino being open in 2022,” Parada stated while accepting the award for his colleague Berty Richter, who was in Israel. “We’re happy everyone has been accepting of us. It feels great to win this.”

A Night of Culinary Recognition

The evening attracted hundreds of guests and showcased numerous nominees, celebrating excellence among San Antonio’s culinary professionals for 2025.

Alessia Benavides, known for her work at Chocolatl, was awarded Pastry Chef of the Year. Meanwhile, the bar Gimme Gimme was recognized as Bar of the Year.

Other Top Honors

• Roadmap Brewing Co. – Brewery of the Year
• Freight Fried Chicken – Best New Restaurant
• Cullum’s Attagirl – Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year
• Folklores Coffee House – Best Coffee Shop

A panel of 11 judges, consisting of industry experts and previous winners, determined the award recipients, except for the Best New Restaurant, which was decided by CultureMap readers.

Culinary Delights at the Awards

The Tastemaker event included a tasting showcase with food and drink samples from various local establishments, including Best Quality Daughter, Gimme Gimme, and Back Unturned Brewing Co., creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated local gastronomy.

Chef John Russ’s Clementine, noted for its globally inspired seasonal offerings, captured the attention of many attendees throughout the night.

Chef John Russ’s Recognition

Russ, a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Texas in 2023, emerged victorious among ten finalists for the Chef of the Year title. His wife, Elise Russ, was also recognized as a finalist for Pastry Chef of the Year.

Clementine, which secured the title of Best Neighborhood Restaurant in 2024, continues to make waves in San Antonio’s culinary scene.

Tribute to the Heritage of Culinary Arts

Nicola Blaque, a two-time Tastemaker Chef of the Year, celebrated yet another achievement as her new restaurant, Freight Fried Chicken, was awarded Best New Restaurant. The establishment pays homage to the Black women who worked as waiter carriers in the South during the late 1800s.

“This win is not about me,” Blaque expressed. “It’s about the women waiter carriers. This win is for them.”