Tastemaker Scenes
Top chefs & foodies celebrate Austin's culinary scene at third annual Tastemakers
- Steak tartar from Salt & TimePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Dessert from Chef Finney Walter of OliviaPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Puree butternut squash, smoked shitaki mushrooms, capers & beef, from GardnerPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Mango Cream Cheese Parfait from ChavezPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Ranch lamb pastrami from BonnevillePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Spicy Shrimp with grits from SearsuckerPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Pork Spare Ribs with beet puree, garnished with kale ceviche candied nutsPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Ilana De La Vega, owner, Ernesto Torrealba, co-owner/chef at El NaranjoPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Sikil'pak from El NaranjoPhoto by Jon Shapley
- The Cupcake Bar.Photo by Jon Shapley
- Victoria Johnstone & Michalia Dubose prepare dishes at the Olivia tablePhoto by Jon Shapley
- hotpoppin PopcornPhoto by Jon Shapley
- August Briggs WineryPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Brian Moses, chef at ChavePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Pedras Wine CompanyPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Daniel Olivetta & Vanessa Jerez, owners of BarlataPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Screenplay WinePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Arros negrePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Albondigas from No Va — pork and beef, with garlic, shallots, dried apricots, almond, and toasted almond sherry cream saucePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Chef Pete O'Donnell, Chef Andy Phillips, Chef Murphy Parks with SearsuckerPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Chef Josh Jones, Caroline Hahm & Edwin Zamora, from Salt & TimePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Zack Northcutt, Sous Chef, Callie Speer, Pastry ChefPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Melissa Katz, Jeff Higbe, Josh Watkins, Caroline Hartog, Alex Conye, of The CarillonPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Fluff PopPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Herradura TequilaPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Francine Quigley, Shelly VosbergPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Brandon Owens, Tam TranPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Sandra Spalding, Brian Dressel, Jessica BarnardPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Kimberley Bolton, Susie FeltsPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Alex Choice, Travis HusePhoto by Jon Shapley
- Ashley Cheng, Dana TomlinPhoto by Jon Shapley
- Veronica Moore, Amanda Hodgins, Keely Phillips, Joe BurnsPhoto by Jon Shapley
- DJ Adrian QuesadaPhoto by Jon Shapley
CultureMap's third annual Tastemaker Awards proved that Austin's food scene is shining brightly — and for good reason. On Wednesday evening, top chefs and foodies alike gathered at Brazos Hall to eat, drink and celebrate the top culinary talent in town.
Guests enjoyed innovative bites from a host of the 2014 Tastemaker nominees. Presenters included Chef Josh Watkins of The Carillon; Chef Iliana de la Vega of El Naranjo; and Chef Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo, who gave the crowd a taste of vegetable-focused Gardner, his new restaurant slated to open later this year. Other delectable bites were provided by Chavez, The Bonneville, Barlata, No Va, Salt & Time, Searsucker and Winflo Osteria.
After the savory sampling, guests enjoyed dessert bites from Parkside Projects, Chef Callie Speer of Swift's Attic, and Chef Finney Walter of Olivia. In addition to the nominees, other sweet creations included Fluffpop Gourmet Cotton Candy, Hotpoppin' Gourmet Popcorn and Goodpop frozen fruit bars. Cadillac brought The Cupcake Bar where guests created adorable, custom mini-cupcakes.
Sampling all of those bites works up quite the thirst. For drinks, partygoers chose between Herradura tequila cocktails created exclusively for the event by the Best Craft Bartender nominees; a selection of wines from the Abigail Adams portfolio; and craft beer from Alaskan, Odell Brewing Company and Real Ale. Event partner Herradura even had its own tequila tasting bar.
But this event wasn't just about tasting delicious food and sipping refreshing cocktails. DJ Adrian Quesada kept the party going, while Pinot’s Palette created custom portraits of each Tastemaker Award winner. During the event, guests posed at the Smilebooth photo station and voted for the people's choice Best New Restaurant winner. Rainey Street gem No Va was crowned the winner.
Spotted in the crowd were Chef David Bull, of Congress; CK Chin, owner of Swift's Attic; Pat Sharpe, executive editor of Texas Monthly; and Paula Disbrowe, editor of Tribeza. You can get the full scoop on the 2014 Tastemaker winners here.
