Chefs all have to start somewhere, whether it's studying under a local legend or leading a pop-up. These rising stars in Austin — either new restaurant owners or those on the cusp of starting a significant new project — have harnessed the magic of finding their niche and exceeding expectations.

The CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards focus on achievements across the industry, but no category can compete with Rising Star Chef of the Year for sheer potential.

  

Photo by Mackenzie Smith Kelley

Heejae Galluccio, Birdie’s

The judges, including the winners from last year, are especially important in this category because they've seen the impressive work of sous chefs, chefs du cuisine, and other pros who have been grinding behind the scenes to help bring some of Austin's most ambitious culinary visions to life.

Find out who wins Rising Star Chef of the Year at the 2025 Tastemaker Awards on May 8 at Fair Market. We’ll dine on bites from this year’s nominated chefs and restaurants and sip cocktails from our sponsors before revealing the winners in our short and sweet ceremony.

You can see all of the Tastemaker Award nominees here and learn more about them in our special editorial series leading up to the big event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP (includes early access to the event and a dedicated bar). Prices will increase April 10. Grab your tickets now, because this party will sell out — just like it does every year.

Here are the seven nominees vying for 2025 Rising Star Chef of the Year:

Alejandra Kuri, Este
Este’s upscale seafood dishes and its head chef aren’t the only things keeping this buzzy eatery in the limelight. Alejandra Kuri’s interest in cooking began in Mexico City at her family’s banquet hall, but her admirable desire for leadership has brought her all the way to one of Austin’s most attention-grabbing restaurants.

Alexa Mejia, Emmer & Rye
Any exposure at Emmer & Rye is an achievement, but chef de cuisine Alexa Mejia is taking things to the next level by increasing the restaurant's commitment to sustainable sourcing. Mejia has gotten her hands dirty at local farms, and as a result, the restaurant was one of just two in Texas to receive a green star from the Michelin Guide, denoting eco-friendly practices.

Clark Costello, Soigné Supper Club
Former sous chef at Este Clark Costello is the only chef on this list primarily representing a pop-up, Soigné Supper Club. Wherever Costello and Soigné show up — with luxurious twists on casual dishes in tow — guests get to feel like they're a part of something special, only for those in the know.

Derek Zampacorta, Bar Toti/Suerte/Este
Chef de Cuisine at Bar Toti Derek Zampacorta moved to Austin from Colorado Springs to work with great chefs, and he certainly achieved that with leaders at Parkside, Foreign and Domestic, Dai Due, and the Suerte sphere of influence. Zampacorta elevates programs across the latter group, but a nostalgic spirit and curiosity about working with restraints specifically drew him to Toti's small kitchen.

Erik Trotman, Canje
Erik Trotman has been with hospitality group Emmer & Rye since 2021, starting off as a line cook at fine dining restaurant Hestia before becoming Canje’s executive sous chef. Whether it's working in Canje’s kitchen or with his pop-up supper club, Trotman gives his all to create culinary experiences that highlight his passion for building community.

Heejae Galluccio, Birdie’s
After achieving success in the restaurant industry at famous New York restaurants including Gramercy Tavern and Aureole, Heejae Galluccio moved to Austin in 2020 to pursue new career ambitions. She has served as Birdie’s executive sous chef since 2023, relying on her prestigious education and experience to continue innovating the restaurant’s seasonal menus.

Seth Helmly, Loudmouth
Chef de cuisine Seth Helmly is no stranger to making delicious food that leaves guests with lasting memories, having worked at other local eateries like Odd Duck, Dai Due, Barley Swine, and more. His current role at Loudmouth combines his interests in building relationships with local farms and the Austin community to produce high quality pizzas and Italian-American fare.

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The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards ceremony is sponsored by The Yuengling Company, Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas Beef Council, PicMe Events, and more to be announced. A portion of the proceeds benefitsCentral Texas Food Bank.