
ABOUT
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Houston’s top restaurant and bar talent for 2025, hosted by renowned Houston chef, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Shepherd. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Houston a world-class culinary destination.
Join us April 3 at Silver Street Studios for our signature tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and unveil this year’s winners, and you’ll enjoy an evening full of chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks.
Get to know the nominees in our editorial series, and then join us April 3 as we toast the Tastemakers.
This is a sell-out event. Get your tickets now!
CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
April 3, 2025
GA 7 pm | VIP 6 pm
Silver Street Studios

NOMINEES
Meet the exceptional culinary talent nominated in this year's awards.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
CHEF OF THE YEAR
BAR OF THE YEAR
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
BEST POP-UP/STARTUP
COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

PARTICIPANTS
Delicious details coming soon!

- Bartender of the Year
- Best New Restaurant
- Rising Star Chef of the Year

- Best Pop-up/Startup

- Pastry Chef of the Year

- Best Coffee Shop

- Best Pop-up/Startup

- Best New Restaurant

- Pastry Chef of the Year

- Best New Restaurant
- Chef of the Year

- Bar of the Year
- Bartender of the Year

- Best New Restaurant

- Best New Restaurant

- Chef of the Year
- Restaurant of the Year

- Bar of the Year

- Chef of the Year
- Restaurant of the Year

- Best New Restaurant
- Rising Star Chef of the Year

- Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year

- Best Coffee Shop

- Best Pop-up/Startup

- Chef of the Year

- Best Coffee Shop

- Best New Restaurant

- Best Coffee Shop

JUDGES
Meet our distinguished panel of culinary experts and past Tastemakers winners.














PARTNERS
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by the following partners.

Chardon brings the timeless charm of a classic French bistro to Houston, offering honest, everyday French cuisine with a modern sensibility. Inspired by the simplicity and warmth of bistros found within iconic and charming Paris neighborhoods like Montmarte and La Marais, Chardon focuses on showcasing the best of local ingredients through authentic French cooking. Each dish reflects the artistry of tradition paired with the vibrancy of Houston’s rich culinary landscape. With its warm, relaxed ambience and understated elegance, Chardon offers a dining experience that feels equally suited for a spontaneous weeknight meal or a leisurely evening with friends.
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Hornitos has never been much for rules. Its path has been uncharted and unconventional from the moment it was founded in 1950. That path led to a fresh-tasting, agave-forward tequila that brings the story of its Jalisco roots to your glass with every sip. Now, Hornitos continues along the path that its founders forged. Bold. Fresh. Independent. It’s about more than tequila. It’s a fresh take on life. Hornitos Plata is an expertly crafted silver tequila that is smooth and lively, with notes of bright herbs and citrus. Hornitos Reposado, with its distinctive notes of apple and herbs, was introduced to commemorate the anniversary of Mexican independence. Even now, Hornitos Reposado remains a symbol of those who live life boldly. Always follow the DrinkSmart rules and drink in moderation. Hornitos® Tequila, 40%alc./vol. ©2025 Sauza Tequila Import Company, New York. Must be 21 or over
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Jim Beam is one of America’s most iconic bourbon brands, dating back to 1795 when Jacob Beam started distilling. The family business evolved over generations, surviving Prohibition, and expanding globally. They know that something magical happens to the whiskey in its seventh year in cask. They call it the sweet spot, where an easy smoothness meets notes of caramel, vanilla, and warm oak, and the liquid turns a rich gold. This is the mellow whiskey you’ll find in the 7-year aged Jim Beam Black. The company makes a firm commitment to its drinkers to always age Jim Beam Black for those seven years. Now at 90-proof, enjoy Jim Beam Black neat, on the rocks, or any way you damn please. You can find more information, recipes, and where to purchase Jim Beam Black and other Jim Beam Bourbons at Finest American Bourbon Whiskey & Craft Spirits | Jim Beam®. Always follow the DrinkSmart rules and drink in moderation.
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PicMe Events is passionate about creating picture-perfect experiences. They work closely with clients to create immersive, exciting, and simply outstanding events and experiences. From surprises to show-stoppers, intimate gatherings to mass brand activations, they can do it all. Using the world’s best photo booth technology, they deliver immersive and engaging events that will leave your guests wanting more. Their No. 1 priority is making sure that their clients are able to walk away from their event satisfied and with memories they can treasure for years to come.
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Proudly made in Texas, Ritual Zero Proof is America’s No. 1 non-alcoholic spirit brand. Crafted for cocktails, Ritual Tequila, Whiskey, Gin, Rum, and Aperitif Alternatives have the nose, taste, and bite of liquor – without the alcohol or calories. Founded by best friends, born on a cutting board, and perfected across hundreds of iterations with the help of master distillers and award-winning mixologists, Ritual was created because we love a good cocktail, with or without alcohol.
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Founded in 2015, Seedlip is the pioneer of non-alcoholic spirits. Combining centuries-old techniques with modern innovations, Seedlip redefines the drinking experience by solving the dilemma of what to drink when you’re not drinking. Inspired by nature, Spice 94, Grove 42, Garden 108, and Notas de Agave deliver a vast range of flavors. These sophisticated, non-alcoholic spirits contain no sugar or calories and make the perfect base for cocktails.
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Stella Artois traces its origins to over 600 years ago at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 1366. Stella Artois was born as a holiday gift to the people of Leuven from the brewery. The name “Stella” – meaning “star” in Latin – pays homage to the occasion, and a star has been proudly displayed on Stella Artois bottles ever since.
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Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage opened in 2020 by brother-and-sister duo Rico and Vienna Valencia, but their story began decades ago, working side by side with their parents Cyclone and Carol Anaya. This family legacy continues in the heart of Oak Forest, where the Valencia family were original residents. Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage offers the highest quality food and drinks in a robust, friendly atmosphere. All items are made from scratch, and include Certified Angus Beef, wild-caught seafood, and locally sourced items. The large covered patio is pup-friendly, with complimentary water bowls and biscuits. Come by for daily specials, happy hour, or their popular Penny Mimosa Refills during weekend brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They can also serve small or large parties and cater your private events.
Visit →For sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com

BENEFICIARY

Southern Smoke Foundation
Founded in 2015 by James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation supports members of the food and beverage (F+B) industry in crisis nationwide through emergency relief funding and access to mental health services. To date, Southern Smoke Foundation has provided more than $10.4M in grants to food and beverage workers in need. Through its mental health program, the nonprofit provides no-cost mental health counseling to F+B workers and their children in California, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, and Texas, and offers financial assistance to those seeking mental health care outside of the current service states.




































