Tastemakers preview

Savor the best in Dallas dining at the 2019 Tastemaker Awards

Join us for the 2019 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards on April 25.

Photo by WJNPHOTO

In less than a week, Fashion Industry Gallery will transform into a foodie destination for CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards. Our biggest party of the year will be filled with top Dallas and Fort Worth culinary talent for a swanky tasting event and awards ceremony announcing the 2019 Tastemaker winners.

Join us Thursday, April 25 for your chance to toast DFW's top restaurants and bars, all while sampling signature bites and sipping cocktails. VIP and general admission tickets are on sale now — here's a little taste of what's in store.

VIP experience
New this year is an exclusive VIP experience. Starting at 6 pm, VIP guests get early access to the event — and a first taste of bites from nominated restaurants — as well as a dedicated bar and valet service. Throughout the night, the VIP lounge will host an elevated food pairing experience featuring dishes from The French Room and drinks from Tastemakers presenting sponsor Woodford Reserve.

Bites from DFW's best
More than 25 of Dallas and Fort Worth's best restaurants will be on hand at this year's event. Both savory and sweet items are on the menu, from participants like Bullion, Jose, Mercury Chophouse, Sugarfina, and Bisous Bisous.

Bubbly and more
Fancy a drink? In addition to cocktails from Woodford Reserve, there will be bubbly from Korbel, beer from Deep Ellum Brewing, and wine from Sonoma-Cutrer.

Toast the winners
You've met the 2019 Tastemaker nominees in our editorial special series, now we'll unveil the winners, including Best New Restaurant, as voted on by our readers. The awards ceremony will take place at 8:30 pm, and the party continues after with DJ Blake Ward and LandLiners.

A free ride
To make getting to and from the event a breeze, Tastemaker Award attendees can get their first ride (up to $50) free from rideshare app Alto. Just use the code TASTEMAKERS for the discount.

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The 2019 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards takes place April 25 from 7-10 pm. Grab your tickets now, and we'll see you at the party.

tastemakers

Italian News

Authentic Italian café from San Diego to open a location in Plano

Pappalecco

Pappalecco, an Italian-inspired café founded in San Diego is coming to Texas: Pappalecco, which serves coffee, gelato, pastries, paninis, and hospitality, is opening its first Texas location in Plano at 1009 14th St. #600, in the Morada residential building in old downtown Plano.

According to a release, they'll open on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The concept has roots in Italy, in Tirrenia, hometown of Francesco and Lorenzo Bucci, two brothers who opened a shop there before moving to the U.S. and opening the first Pappalecco Café in San Diego's Little Italy in 2007. There is also a second location in San Diego's Kensington neighborhood.

Bringing the concept to Plano are husband-and-wife Chi Yan and Jolly Chen, who became enchanted with the menu and atmosphere after visiting the location in Little Italy. Their goal is to recreate the San Diego's cafe's authenticity and excellence.

In addition to espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, the menu includes a few signature items such as:

Marocchino, with espresso, Nutella, and frothed milk
Caffè Freddo, a cold brew blended with gelato
Affogato, gelato topped with espresso
croissants stuffed with gelato

There is also quiche; sandwiches on foccaccia such as caprese with tomato and mozzarella; salads such as chicken salad; toasts; and bowls.

“We’re honored to bring Pappalecco to Plano,” said Jolly and Chi. “Our hope is that it becomes a place where people feel genuinely cared for and can experience the best of Italian café culture.”

The café’s modern, minimalist design offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both elevated and timeless. More than a place for coffee, Pappalecco is envisioned as a gathering space where friends, families, and neighbors can slow down, connect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

coffee openings