The sold out CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards brought out hundreds of foodies who ate and drank their way through the Driskill Hotel.
The Tastemaker Award winners proudly raised up their trophies; engraved glass plates with gold trimming.
Chef David Bull, Chauncy James, Philip Speer, Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseman
Christian and Jamie Bowers were among the hundreds of people who enjoyed the sold out event.
Christian and Jamie Bowers
Foodies from all over Austin came out to enjoy the inaugural awards program and celebration.
Susan Rhodes, Shelly Vosburg and Lisa Carroll
These four Uchi/Uchiko fans had a lot to cheer about. Uchi/Uchiko took home several awards including Tastemakers for Decor and Atmosphere, Pastry Chef, and Restaurant.
Justin Huffman, Sara Crumley, Lindsey Carlton and Xavier Atkins, all of Uchi.
Tastemaker nominees for mixologist created a fun cocktail for all to try. Contigo's Houston Eaves whipped up a tasty tequila drink sponsored by Z Tequila.
Houston Eaves
People came out to show their support for the nominated chefs.
Bettina Dahl, Philip Speer, Dustin Daniels and Deana Saukam
Tastemaker Nominee Shawn Cirkiel showcased his new restaurant Olive and June. He served up Housemade Ricotta Ravolini with Smoked Tomato, Almond and Pecorino.
Donuts from Olive & June
The Driskill Grill proved to be a great host. Their duck tamales with mole, charred corn, foie crema, and apple relish were a hit.
Special Events Chef Grant Irvin of the Driskill
One of the hot items at the event was Noble Pig's Linguisa with aoili, red pepper compote and espelette pleased the crowd.
Samples from Noble Pig
Students from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts kept their cool during the busy night proving they have what it takes to be future Tastemakers.
Students from Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The guests gathered to see the Tastemakers announced.
Friends of the Driskill Hotel had a front row seat for the awards program.
Long time Austin Chef and owner of Jack Allen's Kitchen emceed the event, saying Austin's Culinary scene is on par with the best in the country.
Tastemaker Award emcee Jack Gilmore from Jack Allen's Kitchen.
CultureMap Austin Editor-in-Chief Kevin Benz talked about the value of Austin's culinary scene to the city's cultural landscape.
CultureMap Austin Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Benz
Uchi/Uchiko Pastry Chef Phiip Speer was all smiles. He accepted several awards on behalf of Uchi/Uchiko including the Tastemaker for Pastry Chef.
Jessica Dupuy, Philip Speer and Jack Gilmore
Mixologist Chauncy James proudly accepted the Tastemaker for Mixologist.
Jessica Dupuy and Mixologist winner Chauncy James from East Side Show Room
Chef Speer accepted the Tastemaker for Restaurant on behalf of owner Tyson Cole. Speer attributed the win to the hard work of the entire staff, many of which were in the crowd and beaming with pride.
Pastry Chef winner Philip Speer from Uchi/Uchiko
Chef David Bull of Congress took home the Tastemaker Award for Chef. Judges described Chef Bull as an "amazing chef" that creates food that is as gorgeous to look at as it is to devour.
Jessica Dupuy and Chef David Bull from Congress
Hundreds of people voted in the inaugural CultureMap Tastemaker Awards New Restaurant Challenge. The online bracket challenge started with 16 new hot spots and CultureMap readers whittled them down to just one. Contigo took home the prize Thursday night.
Contigo Austin's Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseheart received the People's Choice Best New Restaurant Tastemaker.
The award nominees gathered for a group picture following the awards program.
Chauncy James, Philip Speer, Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseman.
The party continued at the Palm Door with country tunes from Crooks and light bites from Pink Avocado Catering.
Crooks
There was a lot of two-steppin' going on at the VIP After Party.
Lisa & Jonathan Fisher dance to the Crooks at the Tastemaker after party at The Palm Door.
