Texas boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with talented chefs and innovative restaurants across the state. Each year, the Tastemaker Awards shine a spotlight on the best dining experiences Texas has to offer.
The annual Tastemaker Awards celebrate exceptional restaurants, bars, and culinary talent throughout Texas. This prestigious event recognizes outstanding achievements in the food and beverage industry, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of Texan cuisine. Hosted by CultureMap, the awards feature ceremonies in major cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston, where attendees can sample dishes from nominated establishments.
1) Brisket Tacos at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ has earned a reputation for serving some of the best brisket tacos in Texas. This Austin establishment expertly blends Texas barbecue traditions with Mexican flavors.
The smoked brisket taco stands out as a must-try item on their menu. Tender, juicy brisket is nestled in a fresh tortilla, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Diners praise the quality of both the meat and the tortillas at Valentina’s. The dual focus on barbecue and Mexican cuisine pays off in the form of exceptional tacos.
The restaurant’s success has garnered attention from food critics and publications. Texas Monthly recognized Valentina’s brisket taco as one of the top tacos in the state.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ offers a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Texan culinary fusion. It’s a testament to Austin’s innovative food scene.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Address: 11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Phone: +1 512-221-4248
Website: www.valentinastexmexbbq.com
2) Chicken Fried Steak at Blanco Cafe
Blanco Cafe stands out as a top destination for chicken fried steak enthusiasts in Texas. This small-town eatery has perfected the art of preparing this iconic Southern dish.
The chicken fried steak at Blanco Cafe boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to tender, flavorful meat inside. Each portion is generously sized, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
Served with creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in rich gravy, the chicken fried steak here embodies traditional Texan comfort food. The cafe’s welcoming atmosphere adds to the authentic dining experience.
Locals and visitors alike praise Blanco Cafe for consistently delivering high-quality chicken fried steak. Its reputation has grown beyond the town limits, attracting food lovers from across the state.
Blanco Cafe: 300 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606. Phone: (830) 833-4286.
3) Crispy Gulf Oysters at Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya’s Crispy Gulf Oysters have become a standout dish at the annual Tastemaker Awards. This innovative restaurant blends Texas barbecue with Japanese izakaya cuisine, creating unique flavor combinations.
The Gulf oysters are lightly battered and fried to achieve a perfect crispy texture while maintaining the briny essence of the sea. Chefs at Kemuri Tatsu-ya expertly balance the richness of the fried oysters with complementary sauces and garnishes.
Patrons praise the dish for its textural contrast and bold flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, juicy center, showcasing the quality of fresh Gulf oysters.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya’s commitment to combining local ingredients with Japanese techniques is evident in this popular appetizer. The restaurant’s creative approach to Texan-Japanese fusion continues to impress diners and food critics alike.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya: 2713 E. 2nd St., Austin, TX 78702. Website: www.kemuri-tatsuya.com
4) Smoked Duck Pastrami at Jeffrey’s
Jeffrey’s in Austin has made a name for itself with its innovative take on classic dishes. Among its standout offerings is the smoked duck pastrami, a unique twist on the traditional deli favorite.
The chefs at Jeffrey’s cure duck breasts with a blend of spices, including coriander, juniper berries, and black pepper. This process imparts deep flavors to the meat before it’s smoked to perfection.
The result is a tender, flavorful dish that balances the rich taste of duck with the savory notes of pastrami. Served thinly sliced, it’s often accompanied by house-made mustard and pickles.
Jeffrey’s commitment to quality ingredients and careful preparation shines through in this dish. It exemplifies the restaurant’s approach to elevating familiar flavors with sophisticated techniques.
Jeffrey’s: 1204 West Lynn Street, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 477-5584
Website: www.jeffreysofaustin.com
5) Barbacoa Tacos at Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que in Brownsville, Texas, stands out for its authentic barbacoa tacos. This family-owned establishment has been serving traditional Mexican barbecue for generations.
The restaurant specializes in barbacoa de cabeza, a dish made from slow-cooked cow’s head. Vera’s is one of the few places in Texas that still prepares barbacoa using traditional pit-cooking methods.
Customers flock to Vera’s for their flavorful tacos filled with tender, juicy meat. The barbacoa is typically served with fresh corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, and lime.
Vera’s opens early on weekends, catering to the local tradition of enjoying barbacoa for breakfast. The restaurant’s popularity is evident from the lines that form outside its doors.
Texas Monthly has recognized Vera’s as one of the state’s top barbecue joints, praising its commitment to traditional cooking methods and authentic flavors.
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que: 2404 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521. Open Friday 6:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 5:00 am – 2:00 pm.
6) Pecan Pie at Royers Pie Haven
Royers Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas is renowned for its exceptional pecan pie. This small-town bakery has gained a reputation for serving one of the best versions of this classic Texan dessert.
The pecan pie at Royers features a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Its filling is rich and indulgent, made with high-quality ingredients that elevate the traditional recipe.
Visitors to Royers Pie Haven can enjoy a slice of their famous pecan pie in a charming, rustic setting. The bakery’s warm atmosphere adds to the overall experience of savoring this beloved Texan treat.
Royers Pie Haven also offers whole pies for those who want to take the deliciousness home. Their pecan pie makes an excellent gift or addition to any gathering.
Royers Pie Haven
190 Henkel Square, Round Top, TX 78954
Website: royerspiehaven.com
7) Kolaches at The Czech Stop
The Czech Stop in West, Texas has become an iconic destination for kolache lovers. This humble bakery and convenience store off Interstate 35 draws travelers from far and wide seeking their famous Czech pastries.
Their kolaches come in both sweet and savory varieties. Popular fruit flavors include cherry, apricot, and blueberry, while savory options feature sausage, cheese, and jalapeño.
The Czech Stop takes pride in using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Their kolaches strike the perfect balance of pillowy dough and flavorful fillings.
Open 24 hours a day, the Czech Stop offers convenience for road-trippers at any hour. Their efficient staff keeps lines moving quickly, even during peak times.
Beyond kolaches, visitors can also sample other Czech treats like cinnamon rolls and strudels. The bakery case is always stocked with an tempting array of freshly-made goods.
The Czech Stop
104 S George Kacir Dr, West, TX 76691
(254) 826-4161
www.czechstop.net
8) Queso at Kerbey Lane Cafe
Kerbey Lane Cafe’s queso has become an Austin institution. This beloved cheese dip consistently ranks as one of the top choices in the city for its creamy texture and bold flavors.
Made with organic whole milk and American cheese, the queso gets its kick from a blend of onions, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. The result is a perfect balance of smoothness and spice.
The cafe offers their Classic Queso, but many opt for the famous Kerbey Queso. This upgraded version comes topped with generous portions of guacamole and pico de gallo, adding fresh layers of flavor and texture.
Kerbey Lane Cafe’s queso has garnered praise from both locals and visitors alike. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Austin’s Tex-Mex scene.
Kerbey Lane Cafe – South: 3003 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 445-4451
Website: www.kerbeylanecafe.com
9) Breakfast Tacos at Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural has earned a reputation for serving some of the best breakfast tacos in Austin, Texas. Their migas taco, in particular, has garnered widespread acclaim from both locals and culinary experts.
The food truck’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes has set it apart in the competitive Austin taco scene. Veracruz All Natural’s migas taco features a flavorful combination of scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Celebrity chef Alton Brown praised Veracruz All Natural, declaring their breakfast taco as the best he had ever tasted. This endorsement further solidified the food truck’s status as a must-visit destination for taco enthusiasts.
Beyond breakfast tacos, Veracruz All Natural has expanded its offerings to include a full-service restaurant called Veracruz Fonda. The new location serves a wider range of Mexican dishes, including aguas frescas, picadas, and conchas.
Veracruz All Natural’s original food truck location: 1704 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.veracruzallnatural.com
10) Beef Ribs at Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats has earned a reputation for serving some of the best beef ribs in Austin. Owner Tom Micklethwait is recognized as a master of central Texas-style barbecue.
The beef rib at Micklethwait stands out as a crowd favorite. Customers consistently praise it as one of the most exceptional items on the menu. Many reviewers describe it as “outstanding” and “amazing.”
The quality and taste of the beef rib have led some patrons to declare it one of the best things they’ve ever eaten. This high praise reflects the skill and care put into preparing this barbecue staple.
Micklethwait Craft Meats has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, earning a Bib Gourmand designation. This accolade indicates good quality and good value cooking.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Website: craftmeatsaustin.com
Significance of the Annual Tastemaker Awards
The Annual Tastemaker Awards have become a cornerstone event in Texas’ culinary calendar. This prestigious celebration recognizes excellence in the state’s dining scene and showcases the best restaurants, chefs, and culinary innovations.
History and Origin
The Tastemaker Awards were established to spotlight Texas’ vibrant food and drink industry. CultureMap, a digital media company, launched this event to honor culinary talents across major Texas cities. The awards quickly gained traction, expanding from a local celebration to a statewide phenomenon.
Over the years, the event has evolved to include multiple categories, recognizing everything from best new restaurants to outstanding bar programs. The awards ceremony rotates between cities like Houston, Fort Worth, and Austin, highlighting each region’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.
Impact on Texan Dining Scene
The Tastemaker Awards have significantly influenced Texas’ dining landscape. By highlighting exceptional establishments and talents, the awards drive innovation and raise standards across the industry.
Winning restaurants often see a surge in popularity and bookings. This recognition can be a game-changer for emerging chefs and new establishments, providing them with valuable exposure.
The awards also foster a sense of community within the culinary world. Chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals come together to celebrate their peers’ achievements, encouraging collaboration and creativity.
For diners, the Tastemaker Awards serve as a trusted guide to the best dining experiences in Texas. The event showcases the state’s culinary diversity, from traditional Texan barbecue to innovative fusion cuisines.
Criteria for Selection
The Tastemaker Awards employ a rigorous selection process to identify the best restaurants and bars across Texas. Expert judges and industry professionals carefully evaluate nominees based on specific criteria and quality standards.
Judging Process
Nominees are assessed on multiple factors including food quality, innovation, and consistency. Judges conduct anonymous visits to evaluate the dining experience firsthand. They rate each establishment’s menu, presentation, flavor profiles, and overall execution. Service quality and ambiance also play a role in the evaluation.
The judging panel considers a restaurant’s impact on the local culinary scene and its ability to set trends. Sustainability practices and use of local ingredients may factor into the scoring. Establishments must demonstrate excellence over time, not just in isolated instances.
Expert Panel and Participants
The Tastemaker Awards assemble a diverse group of food critics, chefs, and industry insiders to serve as judges. These experts are chosen for their deep knowledge of Texas cuisine and restaurant trends. The panel typically includes respected food writers, culinary educators, and successful restaurateurs.
Judges sign confidentiality agreements to ensure impartial evaluations. They are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. The awards organizers rotate judges regularly to maintain fresh perspectives. Participating restaurants and chefs are selected through a combination of public nominations and expert recommendations.
Unique Texan Cuisines Highlighted
Texas cuisine blends Mexican, Southern, and cowboy cooking traditions, resulting in bold flavors and hearty dishes. The Tastemaker Awards showcase the state’s diverse culinary landscape, from barbecue and Tex-Mex to Gulf Coast seafood and farm-to-table offerings.
Regional Dishes
Texas barbecue stands out with its slow-smoked brisket, often cooked for up to 18 hours. Each region has its specialties:
- East Texas: Chopped beef sandwiches
- Central Texas: Salt and pepper rubbed brisket
- South Texas: Barbacoa and mesquite-grilled meats
Tex-Mex, a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, features dishes like:
- Chili con carne
- Fajitas
- Queso dip
Gulf Coast seafood specialties include:
- Blackened redfish
- Grilled oysters
- Shrimp and grits
Innovative Culinary Techniques
Texas chefs are pushing boundaries with modern techniques:
- Sous-vide cooking for perfectly tender meats
- Molecular gastronomy to create unique textures
- Wood-fire grilling for enhanced smoky flavors
Farm-to-table practices are gaining popularity, with chefs partnering with local farmers and ranchers. This approach emphasizes:
- Seasonal ingredients
- Sustainable farming methods
- Reduced carbon footprint
Fusion cuisine is on the rise, blending Texan flavors with international influences. Examples include:
- Korean-style barbecue tacos
- Japanese-inspired smoked fish
- Indian-spiced brisket