At the Tastemaker Awards, we celebrate Austin's top food and drink talent. And on Tuesday, guests of the fourth annual affair got a taste of some of the best — and newest — culinary offerings in the city.
Chefs, bartenders and foodies sipped signature cocktails, sampled fabulous fare and celebrated this year's stellar group of nominees. Winners of the 2015 Tastemakers were announced live throughout the evening, starting with Jason Stevens of Bar Congress. The bartender, who is a fixture in Austin's craft cocktail scene, snagged the Bartender of the Year award, and Bar Congress was named Bar of the Year.
Drinks in hand (silver coin margaritas made with Herradura Tequila, beer by Alaskan Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Company, and wine from The Austin Winery were a hit), guests circled the room sampling bites from 2015 Tastemaker nominees. Highlights included Kin & Comfort's Asian fusion offering, savory pumpkin panna cotta from soon-to-open Juliet, and signature puccias from Lucky's Puccias and Pizzeria. The line for legendary Black's Barbecue was well worth the wait.
Sweet cravings were satisfied by an assortment of desserts, including adorable offerings from Tiny Pies, Tiff's Treats courtesy of Cadillac, and several goodies from Pastry Chef of the Year winner Callie Speer of Swift's Attic.
Spotted in the crowd: Erica Waksmunski, Brandon Fuller, Drew Curren, Shawn Cirkiel​, Evelyn Sher​, Rene Castro, Dania Abbasi, Tom Thornton and Matt McGinnis. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.
A sold-out crowd gathered at Brazos Hall for the 2015 Tastemakers.
