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The national spotlight shines brightly on San Antonio's emerging culinary scene, and chances are you've seen local chefs and restaurants featured on the Food Network; in Saveur, Southern Living and Wine Spectator magazines; or perhaps on NBC's Today Show. Why all the attention? (continues below)
Fine Dining at 4-Diamond- Rated Restaurants
The AAA Diamond rating process is America's "premier restaurant rating program," and in 2011, eight San Antonio restaurants earned the coveted "4 Diamond" rating. That's eight out of 38 Texas restaurants. These fine restaurants, found along the River Walk and beyond, are: Antlers Lodge at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa, Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood, Brasserie Pavil, Citrus at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Fig Tree Restaurant, Francesca's at Sunset in the Westin La Cantera Resort, Las Canarias at Omni La Mansion del Rio and The Lodge at Castle Hills.
The Rise of a New Culinary Star
The opening of a prestigious Culinary Institute of America branch in San Antonio in 2009 -- the only other branch of the world-class CIA is in Napa Valley -- further enhanced the city's reputation as a culinary star. Many of San Antonio's acclaimed chefs are James Beard Foundation award winners and nominees; graduates of prestigious culinary programs, such as the Culinary Institute of America in New York, California, or San Antonio; and innovators with a passion for using locally grown and organic foods.
A Major Wine Destination
One of the nation's largest wine producing regions is on San Antonio's doorstep. A short drive takes you to several dozen wineries in the Texas Hill Country. The holiday wine tour sells out every year. How good are Texas wines? Judges at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the world's largest competition of American wines, awarded 22 medals to Texas wines in 2011, out of 5,050 wines from 23 states. Look for award-winning Texas Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, and other varietals on local restaurant wine lists.
Culinaria: A Wine & Culinary Arts Festival
If you're visiting San Antonio in May, put Culinaria, A Wine and Culinary Arts Festival, on your agenda. Named the "most popular" on Vanity Fair's list of seasonal food and wine festivals in the U.S., Culinaria showcases leading wine-makers and chefs during five days of wine tastings, winemaker dinners, black tie events, outdoor barbecues and more.
Culinary Style Based on Tradition and Innovation
While San Antonio is known for having some of the best Tex Mex north of the Rio Grande, San Antonio chefs also create innovative recipes based on traditional Latin foods and cooking techniques. However, sometimes the twist turns the other way. A British tradition, for example, becomes La Merienda, a Latin version of high tea, at the Westin Riverwalk on Wednesday through Friday afternoons in the hotel lobby. Sample roasted Mexican coffees , hot chocolates, aguas frescas (fresh fruit drinks), and hojorascas (Mexican cookies).
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