Tastemakers Party
5 reasons every Austin foodie should attend the 2016 Tastemaker Awards
You've read about the nominees and voted for your favorite new restaurants. Now it's time to indulge in the 2016 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
The party takes place May 17 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and you won't want to miss it. Don't believe us? Here are five delicious reasons why you should buy tickets right now.
1. The food. Obviously.
Austin and San Antonio's top restaurants are bringing their A-game with tasting plates featuring some of their best dishes. We're talking five-spice braised pork belly from Wu Chow; chilled Rocky Nook oyster with michelada mignonette from Central Standard; crawfish and grits from Ophelia; and foie gras au torchon from Brigid — and that's just a sampling.
2. More food.
It wouldn't be the Tastemaker Awards without an abundance of lip-smacking goodies, so the menu doesn't stop with savory plates. There will also be plenty of desserts, including vanilla bean ice cream with Meyer lemon curd and Earl Grey shortbread crumble from Spun Ice Cream; chocolate Nutella mousse from Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar; and matcha berry eclairs and chocolate-chip brownie bars with milk buttercream from Pastry Chef Janina O'Leary. Still hungry? Take Tiff's Treats home as a party favor.
3. You get to watch master mixologists in action.
Justin Elliott (The Townsend), Justin Lavenue (The Roosevelt Room), Jessica Sanders (drink.well.), Ania Robbins (drink.well.), Madelyn Kay (Vox Table), and Jennifer Keyser (Geraldine's) are not only competing for the title of Bartender of the Year, they'll also be showing off their craft. Sip exclusive, never-before-tasted Tequila Herradura cocktails during the event and vote for your favorite.
4. Photos that are good enough to eat.
If it's not documented in a photo booth, did it ever really happen? At the Tastemaker Awards, you can practice your model moves while chowing down on this tasty idea: Kellie's Baking Co. will magically frost "Instacookies" out of your pics from the SUM Booth. You can also create-your-own GIF at one (or both) of the My Event is the Bomb photo stations.
5. Meet the "de facto ambassador for Texas."
Chef Tim Love of Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Love Shack, Queenie's Steakhouse, White Elephant Saloon, and Woodshed Smokehouse is our distinguished emcee. This Texas native is best known for his modern Western cuisine, but his colorful charisma will make the awards ceremony a can't-miss portion of the evening's festivities.
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Buy tickets now to the Tastemaker Awards on May 17 at Bullock Texas State History Museum. Learn more about the event here.
