SAN ANTONIO (October 4, 2024) — San Antonio’s vibrant culinary and hospitality community gathered to celebrate the city’s flourishing culinary scene and support the next generation of chefs at the inaugural ¡Provecho! presented by the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation. The event, a culinary showcase and awards gala, raised funds for scholarships for aspiring culinary and hospitality students at St. Philip’s College and The University of Texas at San Antonio.
The theme for the event, "Flavors of the Future," showcased the evolution of San Antonio’s culinary scene, with 16 top chefs presenting innovative and fusion dishes. St. Philip’s College culinary students also participated in the event, shadowing each chef and servicing guests at culinary stations. The San Antonio chefs were joined with wine pairings from eight Hill Country wineries to ensure an immersive Texan experience. The culinary encounters were combined with an awards ceremony that honors outstanding contributions to the industry.
Each year, the ¡Provecho! Awards will honor San Antonio chefs, who are authentically making a difference in a variety of ways. The nominations were open to the public and winners were selected by a panel of local industry professionals.
The ¡Provecho! Spirit Award
The ¡Provecho! Spirit Award honors those who embody the spirit of generosity, inclusivity, and mentorship within the hospitality industry. It recognizes efforts to support and uplift the local community, create welcoming environments where diversity is embraced, and inspire and guide the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Nominees:
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Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco’s
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Diana Barrios, Los Barrios Restaurants
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Fabian Jacob, Culinary Institute of America
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Jesse Kuykendall (Chef Kirk), Ocho and Milpa
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Joseph Martinez, San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter
WINNER: Blanca Aldaco, Aldaco’s
The Taste Trailblazer Award
The Taste Trailblazer Award celebrates unique programming, creative culinary approaches, and a commitment to sustainability. It recognizes efforts that push the boundaries of traditional culinary experiences and implement eco-friendly practices to promote sustainable food systems.
Nominees:
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Bruce Auden, Biga on the Banks
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Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone
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Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye Hospitality, Pullman Market, Ladino
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Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table
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Jesse Kuykendall (Chef Kirk), Ocho
WINNER: Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table
The Local Flavor Award
The Local Flavor Award honors those who support local agriculture and beverage producers by integrating locally sourced food and drinks into their culinary offerings. It highlights the importance of farm-to-table practices and the promotion of local brewers, wineries, and distilleries, celebrating fresh and sustainable dining experiences.
Nominees:
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Johnny Hernandez, Grupo La Gloria
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Steve McHugh, Cured
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Sean Wen & Andrew Ho, Pinch Boil House and Curry Boys BBQ
WINNER: Steve McHugh, Cured
The Hospitality Champion Award
The Hospitality Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the hospitality industry through their unwavering advocacy, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to champion the values and growth of the hospitality sector, serving as role models and inspiring others through their dedication and actions.
Nominees:
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Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurant Group
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John and Elise Russ, Clementine
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John Brand, The Pearl/Silver Ventures
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Renee Thurman, Only One Hospitality Group
WINNER: Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurant Group
The Gastronomy Legend Award
The Gastronomy Legend Award is a lifetime achievement award that honors individuals who have made lasting and significant contributions to the culinary and hospitality industry. It recognizes a career of excellence, dedication, and influence.
Nominees:
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Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurant Group
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Johnny Hernandez, Grupo La Gloria
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Rosemary Kowalski, RK Group
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Andrew Weissman, Mr. Juicy
WINNER: Johnny Hernandez, Grupo La Gloria
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, in celebration of her 100th birthday, Rosemary Kowalski was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award. And in honor of her more than 70-year trailblazing career, moving forward, the Gastronomy Legend Award will be called The Rosemary Kowalski Legend Award.
The evening’s culinary and wine tastings were provided by:
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Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurants and Student Chef Vienney Escobedo
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Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone, and Student Chefs Heather McCreery & Nahum Pineda
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Camille De Los Reyes, Sari Sari, and Student Chefs Noah Garcia & Naomi Hennesey
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Adesuwa Elaiho, Asukar, and Student Chef Sandra Trevino
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Edward Garcia, Box St. All Day, and Student Chef James Contreras
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Jamie Gonzalez, River City Produce, and Student Chef Steven Almanza
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Michael Grimes, The Beignet Stand, and Student Chef Jasmine Rivera
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Johnny Hernandez, Grupo La Gloria, and Student Chef Gilbert Ortiz
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Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table, and Student Chefs Rossel Inestroza & Karla Olivares
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Jesse Kuykendall, Ocho, and Student Chef Kristi Davis
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Geronimo Lopez, Hotel Emma, and Student Chef Kiandra Lewis
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Nicola Massey, The Jerk Shack, and Student Chefs Desz Gant & Tjwonna Price
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Pieter Sypesteyn, NOLA Brunch & Beignets, and Student Chef Jose Monjarus
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Lisa Watel, Bistr09, and Student Chef Ashley Duran Polanco
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Brian West, Brian West Catering, and Student Chef Promise-Faith Bravo
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Kristina Zhao, DASHI Chinese Kitchen + Bar, and Student Chef Heather McCreery
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Bending Branch Winery
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Hilmy Cellars
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Majek Vineyard & Winery
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Ron Yates Winery
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Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery
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Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards
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Soto Vino
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Whisper Path Cellars
¡Provecho! was made possible by the generous contributions by Menu Sponsor: City of San Antonio – World Heritage Office; Awards Spotlight Sponsors: Bridgehead IT, Expedia, Pearl; Single Station Sponsors: The Alamo, Chamoy Creative, Predictive Data Lab, Rest of the World; Table Sponsors: Biffle Events, Centro San Antonio, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Grand Hyatt & Hyatt Regency San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter & Riverwalk Hotels, San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, The Westin Riverwalk.
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About the San Antonio Hospitality Foundation
The San Antonio Hospitality Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of Visit San Antonio. The Foundation’s mission is to grow, invest in and accelerate the hospitality industry in San Antonio by assisting in and encouraging the growth of local hospitality students. Through the Hospitality Foundation, Visit San Antonio aims to provide resources to diverse student populations to support the pipeline needed for a strong, thriving tourism and hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitSanAntonio.com/Foundation.
Media Contact
Ja’Nise Solitaire
Communications Manager, Visit San Antonio
janise.solitaire@visitsanantonio.com
(210) 244-2084