Let's Party

Savor what's on the menu for the 2024 Dallas Tastemaker Awards

The Tastemaker Awards are back at F.I.G. on May 16.

Photo by Ashley Gongora

Hope you're hungry, Dallas, because the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards are back and more delectable than ever.

This signature tasting event and awards ceremony celebrating Big D's culinary all-stars is taking place Thursday, May 16, at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) — and you're invited.

There's still time to snag tickets for the evening, which includes indulging in an array of mouthwatering bites and cocktails before raising a toast to the 2024 Tastemakers nominees, many of whom will be onsite serving up specialty dishes.

You can also learn more about the event's beneficiary, Harvest Project Food Rescue.

Hungry for more info? Here's a taste of what's on the menu:

Spicy tuna tartare cones from Best New Restaurant nominee Komodo Dallas
Beef carpaccio di manzo and cavatelli al ragu di Terra from Restaurant of the Year nominee Terra (Eataly)
Cauliflower steak bites with salsa verde from Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year nominee Meddlesome Moth
Mexican shrimp cocktail and poblano soup from Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year nominee Anaya's Seafood
Duck tacos and mushroom truffle shumai from Best New Restaurant nominee Maison Chinoise
Wagyu tartare aburi and avocado crunch from Rising Star Chef of the Year and Pastry Chef of the Year nominee Crown Block
Quail con mole from Best New Restaurant of the Year nominee Black Agave
Whipped eggplant from Best New Restaurant of the Year nominee Lyla
Roasted peaches in creme fraiche chantilly from Pastry Chef of the Year, Best Patio, and Rising Star Chef of the Year nominee The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
Italian cream cake and red wine chocolate cupcakes from Pastry Chef of the Year nominee The Sweet Life
Plus more delicious dishes from other nominees

The evening will culminate in an awards ceremony hosted by DFW radio personality Mark Schectman, where we'll unveil Dallas' Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Best New Restaurant, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Brewery of the Year, and — in our wild card category — Best Patio. You can read about all of this year's nominees in our special editorial series.

Don't miss your chance to toast the Tastemakers in person on May 16. Limited VIP and general admission tickets remain and can be purchased here.

chefs wine drinks desserts tastemaker awards

Wine News

New Vinifera Wine Lounge and Bistro debuts on Flower Mound’s Riverwalk

Vinifera

Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro

A new wine bar and bistro has opened in Flower Mound. Called Vinifera Wine Lounge & Bistro, it's at 4120 River Walk Dr., in a space formerly occupied by a short-lived pizzeria, joining a string of bars overlooking the Riverwalk.

Vinifera is from Jamie Creevy, a British native who moved to Dallas in 2007, and who has worked at concepts such as Henderson Tap House and Peppersmash Concepts. At Vinifera, he's partnered with Chris Kummer, a former US Marine with experience in nightclubs and restaurants, including Chill in Grapevine.

Running the kitchen is executive chef Justin Samsill, who has worked at a wide range of high-end places including Knife, Town Hearth, The Mitchell, Smoke, and Hide. The menu has a big selection of seafood such as mussels, shrimp cocktail, squid pasta, and scallops, as well as steak au poivre, pasta bolognese, and trendy items such as steak frites and a smash burger, with entrees ranging from $19 to $35.

Vegetarian options include an unusual rendition of ratatouille, in which vegetables such as eggplant and tomato are cut into slices and arranged like a pinwheel. There are also salads and harissa carrots with Greek yogurt.

They describe the wine list as being "from all over the world", with 38 offerings by the glass. There are also cocktails.

Between the indoor dining room and outdoor space, the restaurant seats about 130 people. It shares a private event room with next door neighbor Whiskey & Smoke.

Riverwalk is the 158-acre mixed used development developed in 2017 and designed as a destination resembling the Riverwalk in San Antonio, with live music, events, and a range of eatery options including Whiskey & Smoke, Pennywise Pub, and Underdogs Burgers & Brews.

“We are looking to be creative and pivot to keep the area fresh," Creevy says. “People are looking for live music, value, free events, we want to entertain the residents and the community at an inexpensive rate."

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New Vinifera Wine Lounge and Bistro debuts on Flower Mound’s Riverwalk