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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

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NOMINEES

Meet the exceptional culinary talent nominated in this year's awards.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

BasoBelly of the BeastKatamiLittle's Oyster BarMarchMusaaferNancy's HustleNobie'sSquableTheodore Rex

CHEF OF THE YEAR

Aaron Davis, Viola & AgnesBenchawan Painter, Street to KitchenDavid Skinner, IshtiaEmmanuel Chavez, TatemoEvelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JunFelipe Riccio, MarchJason Ryczek, Little's Oyster BarManabu Horiuchi, Kata Robata/KatamiMayank Istwal, MusaaferThomas Bille, Belly of the BeastVictoria Elizondo, Cochinita & Co.

BAR OF THE YEAR

BandistaCatbirdsClarkwoodDouble TroubleEZ's Liquor LoungeJohnny's Gold BrickLee'sMelroseNickel CityReserve 101The Library

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Bar BludornChòpnBlọkCredenceDrake's HollywoodEmaIshtiaKiraLate AugustLeo's River OaksLittle ReyMaximoMF Lobster & SeafoodMilton'sOktoThe Marigold ClubTraveler's Cart

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Aga'sFeges BBQGold Tooth Tony'sHandies DouzoJosephine's Gulf Coast TraditionKata RobataNonno's Family Pizza TavernOstiaPondicheriThe Pit RoomTruth BBQ

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR

Adrian Torres, MaximoAlexandra “Allie” Peña, Bar BludornAustin Waiter, The Marigold ClubChris Davies, MarchJacob Coronado, Nobie'sKent Domas, Milton'sMax Lappe and Jacques Varon, BasoNicolas Vera, Ema/Papalo TaqueriaOpe Amosu, ChòpnBlọkYotam Dolev, Okto

BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

Aaron Lara, KiraAlejandro Medina, Bar BludornBrandon Choate, Nancy's HustleHimanshu Desai, Sof HospitalityJulia Miles, RefugeKarole Hardwick, Nickel CityMáté Hartai, Lee'sPeter Jahnke, CatbirdsRobin Jordan, MarchThomas Marsella, 13 Celsius

PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR

Avril Martinez, BasoChristina Au, BlacksmithEmily Rivas, Josephine'sJosh Deleon, Underground CreameryKelly Helgesen, Nancy's HustleMarie Riddle, Bludorn HospitalityMicaela Victoria, Goodnight HospitalityRebecca Masson, Fluff Bake BarRuchit Harneja, Berg HospitalityStefani Velasquez, Ema/Papalo TaqueriaVan Teemer, Pudgy's Fine Cookies

BEST POP-UP/STARTUP

Ally Barrera, Sweet Bee's BakehouseAndrea de Gortari, The Bake HappeningGabriel Gooley, Gabriel's GoodiesGabriel Medina, SuboGarrett Rice and Ryan Kristensen, Bayou ButchersJoseph Boudreaux, Boo's BurgersLuciana Emiliani, La CrumbMichelle Wallace, B'tween Sandwich Co.Ralph Palmer and Daniel Andrade, Deckle & HideSuu Khin, Burmalicious

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR

BlacksmithBlendin Coffee ClubBrass TacksCatalina CoffeeKoffeteriaSlowpokesTenfold CoffeeUn CaffeXela Coffee Roasters
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PARTICIPANTS

Delicious details coming soon!

Bar Bludorn photo
Bar Bludorn
  • Bartender of the Year
  • Best New Restaurant
  • Rising Star Chef of the Year
Bayou Butchers photo
Bayou Butchers
  • Best Pop-up/Startup
Berg Hospitality photo
Berg Hospitality
  • Pastry Chef of the Year
Brass Tacks photo
Brass Tacks
  • Best Coffee Shop
Deckle and Hide photo
Deckle and Hide
  • Best Pop-up/Startup
Drakes Hollywood photo
Drakes Hollywood
  • Best New Restaurant
Fluff Bake Bar photo
Fluff Bake Bar
  • Pastry Chef of the Year
Ishtia photo
Ishtia
  • Best New Restaurant
  • Chef of the Year
Lee's photo
Lee's
  • Bar of the Year
  • Bartender of the Year
Leo's River Oaks photo
Leo's River Oaks
  • Best New Restaurant
Little Rey photo
Little Rey
  • Best New Restaurant
Little's Oyster Bar photo
Little's Oyster Bar
  • Chef of the Year
  • Restaurant of the Year
Melrose photo
Melrose
  • Bar of the Year
Musaafer photo
Musaafer
  • Chef of the Year
  • Restaurant of the Year
Októ photo
Októ
  • Best New Restaurant
  • Rising Star Chef of the Year
Ostia photo
Ostia
  • Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year
Slowpokes photo
Slowpokes
  • Best Coffee Shop
Subo photo
Subo
  • Best Pop-up/Startup
Tatemó photo
Tatemó
  • Chef of the Year
Tenfold Coffee photo
Tenfold Coffee
  • Best Coffee Shop
Traveler's Cart photo
Traveler's Cart
  • Best New Restaurant
Xela Coffee Roasters photo
Xela Coffee Roasters
  • Best Coffee Shop
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JUDGES

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

Eric Sandler headshot
Eric Sandler
Editor | CultureMap Houston
Abbas Dhanani headshot
Abbas Dhanani
Founder | Burger Bodega, HoustonEatz
2024 Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year Winner
Anna Wilkins headshot
Anna Wilkins
General Manager | Better Luck Tomorrow
2024 Best Patio Winner
Emmanuel Chávez headshot
Emmanuel Chávez
Chef/Co-owner, Tatemo
2025 Chef of the Year Winner
Fabio Pontes headshot
Fabio Pontes
Formerly of Bludorn Restaurant
2024 Bartender of the Year Winner
Jane Wild headshot
Jane Wild
Chef and Owner | Jane and the Lion Bakehouse
2024 Best Pop-up/Startup Winner
June Rodil headshot
June Rodil
CEO & Partner | Goodnight Hospitality, March
2024 Wine Program of the Year Winner
Lucas McKinney headshot
Lucas McKinney
Executive Chef | Josephine's
2024 Rising Star Chef of the Year Winner
Michael Fulmer headshot
Michael Fulmer
Co-Founder | Houston BBQ Festival
Co-Host | What's Eric Eating
Michael Sambrooks headshot
Michael Sambrooks
Andiron
2024 Best New Restaurant Winner
Paolo Justo and Luis Mercado headshot
Paolo Justo and Luis Mercado
Chefs and Partners | Neo
2024 Chef of the Year Winner
Tommy Ho headshot
Tommy Ho
General Manager | Anvil Bar, Refuge
2024 Bar of the Year Winner
Vanarin Kuch headshot
Vanarin Kuch
Pastry Chef and Owner | Koffeteria
2024 Pastry Chef of the Year Winner
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PARTNERS

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

Chardon logo
Chardon

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.

Visit →
Hornitos logo
Hornitos

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

Visit →
Jim Beam Black logo
Jim Beam Black

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.

Visit →
PicMe Events logo
PicMe Events

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.

Visit →
Ritual Proof Zero logo
Ritual Proof Zero

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.

Visit →
Seedlip logo
Seedlip

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.

Visit →
Stella Artois logo
Stella Artois

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.

Visit →
Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage logo
Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage

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.

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For sponsorship opportunities, email sales@culturemap.com

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BENEFICIARY

Southern Smoke Foundation logo

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.

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