May marks the return of the annual Tastemaker Awards, where CultureMap shines a spotlight on Austin's brightest culinary stars. We'll celebrate the city's top restaurant and bar talent — from rising stars to household names — at the fourth annual event on May 12.
Ahead of what has become one of our favorite parties of the year, we'll introduce you to all of the nominees. A trusted panel of judges, including influential members of the Austin culinary community and past winners, selected the nominees and then voted for the winner in each category.
Over the next month, our editorial series will highlight the esteemed nominees in 10 categories. This year's categories include Tastemaker staples like Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, as well as new additions like Rising Star Chef of the Year and Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year.
And as always, our fine readers will vote to determine the Best New Restaurant winner in our bracket challenge. Details on that are coming soon.
Winners will be announced at Brazos Hall on May 12. But this celebration is for the foodies, too. Guests will sample bites from some of Austin's finest restaurants, including 416 Bar & Grille, Apis Restaurant & Apiary, Arro, Fixe, The Hightower, Jacoby's, Kin & Comfort, Noble Sandwich Co., Parkside, Sala & Betty, Swift's Attic and Terry Black's Barbecue.
The first reveal, nominees for Bartender of the Year, happens on April 16. For now, we suggest you snag tickets to the event — bites, beverages and valet parking included.
Join us at the fourth annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards on May 12 at Brazos Hall.
