Sipping on green tea cocktails created by 2012 CultureMap Tastemaker Chauncy James, guests of Tuesday's Tastemaker nomination happy hour got a glimpse of what to expect at this year's CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, and that's a room full of foodies and the best cuisine and cocktails this city has to offer.
The Chisolm Trail Room at the historic Driskill Hotel was full with area food bloggers and industry leaders including those behind the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance, Austin Food and Wine Foundation, The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas and the Austin Food and Wine Festival.
They joined past award recipients like Tastemaker David Bull of Congress, nominees like Brian Dressel of Midnight Cowboy and judges like Cathy Strange of Whole Foods Market for the big announcement.
"As we go into the second year of the CultureMap Tastmaker Awards, it's an honor to be a part of something that celebrates the culinary community in this town in a unique way," said David Bull, chef/owner of Congress, 2nd Bar + Kitchen and Bar Congress. "It's great to see the investment of time and energy into the details and the selection process, and I think it's a great thing for Austin."
Jack Gilmore, owner of Jack Allen's Kitchen and one of Austin's most beloved and respected chefs, announced the nominees with the help of CultureMap Editor in Chief Caitlin Ryan. A full list of the nominees is available online.
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The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Driskill Hotel. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Carla Williams, Cathy Strange, Cathy Cochran-Lewis and Paula Disbrowe.
