“It’s an exciting moment for chefs and restaurants.”
Following the announcement that the prestigious Michelin Guide extended its star rankings to Texas for the first time in its 124-year history, San Antonio chefs spoke to MySA about the exciting new abundance of opportunity for the local restaurant scene.
“The Michelin guide coming to Texas will bring a new sense of credibility to Texas cuisine and shine a bright light on what San Antonio has to offer. No longer do we have to by type-cast as a certain cuisine — we will be able to showcase who we truly are!” said chef Leo Davila of Stixs & Stone, a celebrated Asian-fusion restaurant on Wurzbach.
A news release from the Michelin Guide revealed that anonymous inspectors are already making their way through Texas restaurants. The first Texas guide, featuring restaurants from Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, will debut later this year.
Gusto Group’s executive chef Juan Bazan (Toro Kitchen +Bar, Cuishe Cocina Mexicana) noted that the Michelin Guide news was an opportune way for local chefs and restaurant owners to “shar[e] our passion for food and culture with the world.”
“Texas is a place of incredible cities and flavors that are growing and evolving every day. With every dish, we get to tell our story and invite everyone to experience the warmth and richness of our culinary community,” Bazan stated.
Fresh off yet another James Beard Award finalist nomination with fellow Mixtli chef Rico Torres, chef Diego Galicia added during a phone call with MySA that, “I think it’s going to be great for business — it’s going to bring a very special type of diner to San Antonio that chases the experience that Michelin-starred restaurants have to offer. Personally, for Rico and myself, we’re excited to see how we compare to our colleagues worldwide in terms of service, food, and innovation.”
“It’s going to be great for the city,” chef Galicia reiterated.
Fellow James Beard Award nominee Sean Wen (Curry Boys BBQ, Pinch Boil House) noted that it was exciting for local spots to also potentially earn the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand designation — a recognition for local restaurants that offer high-quality menu items at affordable prices.
“I am hopeful that with designations such as Bib Gourmand, it presents a great opportunity for restaurants of all price points and levels to be represented and showered with much deserved recognition!” Wen said.
Chef Nicola Blaque (The Jerk Shack, Freight Fried Chicken, Mi Roti) said, “I’ve been in San Antonio for the past 10 years — I went to culinary school here, opened three restaurants, to know I picked the right city to plant my feet in is just unbelievable in the best way.”
The James Beard Award nominee and Army veteran continued, “It’s inspiring, you know? In addition to being Military City USA, and having the Culinary Institute here, San Antonio’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide for Texas proves that there’s a path of possibility here — just like New York City, just like Chicago, Miami, all of the cities that have produced top chefs and restaurants — San Antonio is going on that list with the Michelin Guide coming here. Nothing is impossible.”
Prince Blakaj of Mare e Monte, a critically-acclaimed Italian restaurant that recently opened in the Medical Center, told MySA, “San Antonio has an amazing food scene and incredible restaurants. I hope a lot of restaurants receive good ratings because a lot of them deserve it — but we mustn’t forget that our trueMichelin Guide are customers that walk through the door.”
“They are the ones that make a restaurant worthy,” Blakaj added.
Chefs John and Elise Russ of Clementine, a Castle Hills culinary gem, told MySA in a joint statement, “We’re incredibly excited about the news of Michelin’s arrival. It’s a big moment for Texas and for San Antonio.”
The husband and wife culinary duo, both James Beard Award nominees always had faith in the city’s culinary possibilities.
“We’ve always known our city is worthy of Michelin’s attention, and we can’t wait to see what it’s going to bring…more diversity, more recognition, more opportunity to shine,” they emphasized.
Chef Kevin Fink (Emmer &Rye Hospitality Group, which opened Ladino and Pullman Market in San Antonio earlier this year) added, “Texas is such a dynamic state, I am excited that Michelin will continue to shine light on the amazing, chefs, restaurants, and artisans that make our culinary scene so great. With any first guide, it is a representation of what is already here, the coming years will show how Michelin and Texas really shape each other.”
For Kristina Zhao who helms Sichuan House and Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar, the Michelin Guide news is a recognition of all the work that goes into running two successful restaurants.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our culinary community. It’s not just an honor but also a tremendous opportunity for our city. The Michelin Guide’s presence will spotlight the diverse and vibrant food culture we have in San Antonio, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world. This increased visibility will drive tourism, boost local businesses, and inspire us all to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence. We’re ready to showcase the unique flavors and hospitality that make San Antonio a true culinary destination.”
