Meet the Tastemakers

Here's your taste of the best restaurants and bars in Texas for 2018

Each year, we hold a Texas-sized celebration of two of the things we love most: food and drink. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, presented by Woodford Reserve, honors the top restaurant and bar talent in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.

Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people making each city's culinary scene special. First, we collaborated with a panel of experts, including previous Tastemaker winners, to determine the nominees in each city. The panels then selected winners in every category, except Best New Restaurant, which was determined by our readers in a tournament presented by Whole Foods Market.

It all culminated in our series of signature tasting events and awards ceremonies, held in Houston, Austin, and Dallas, where guests mixed and mingled with top culinary talent and fellow foodies, while we unveiled the 2018 Tastemaker Awards winners. Join us in toasting the best of Texas dining right now.

Austin

Restaurant of the Year: L’Oca d’Oro
Chef of the Year: Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Zach Hunter, The Brewer’s Table
Pastry Chef of the Year: Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Emmer & Rye
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Texas French Bread
Best New Restaurant: Be More Pacific
Favorite Food Truck: Veracruz All Natural
Bar of the Year: Nickel City
Bartender of the Year: Erin Ashford, Olamaie
Brewery of the Year: St. Elmo Brewing Co.
Wine Program of the Year: Texas French Bread

Dallas

Restaurant of the Year: Town Hearth
Chef of the Year: Omar Flores, Whistle Britches
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Anastacia Quinones, The Cedars Social
Pastry Chef of the Year: Keith Cedotal, The Joule
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Nova
Best New Restaurant: Ferris Wheelers
Best Biscuits: Crossroads Diner
Bar of the Year: Parliament
Bartender of the Year: Trevor Landry, Jalisco Norte
Wine Program of the Year: Bullion

Fort Worth

Restaurant of the Year: Piattello Italian Kitchen
Chef of the Year: Lanny Lancarte, Righteous Foods
Best New Restaurant: B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Bar of the Year: Proper on Magnolia

Houston

Restaurant of the Year: Xochi
Chef of the Year: Chris Shepherd, Underbelly Hospitality
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jason Vaughan, Nancy’s Hustle
Pastry Chef of the Year: Jillian Bartolome, Aqui
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Paulie’s
Best New Restaurant: Field & Tides
Poke Restaurant of the Year: Izakaya
Bar of the Year: Better Luck Tomorrow
Bartender of the Year: Alex Negranza, Better Luck Tomorrow
Brewery of the Year: Eureka Heights Brewing Company
Wine Program of the Year: a’Bouzy

San Antonio

Restaurant of the Year: Battalion
Chef of the Year: Pieter Sypesteyn of The Cookhouse
Best New Restaurant: Tenko Ramen
Favorite Coffee Shop: Bakery Lorraine
Bar of the Year: Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern

These dishes come from Dallas Chef of the Year, Omar Flores.

Whistle Britches

These dishes come from Dallas Chef of the Year, Omar Flores.

tastemakers texas bests

Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

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