Introduction to the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards
The final category in the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards has been announced, and it’s time to meet the nominees for Chef of the Year. This year’s nominees are an impressive group, boasting Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand designations, and James Beard Award nominations. They have also been featured in prominent publications like Food & Wine and The New York Times, and some have even competed on Top Chef.
Meet the Nominees
The nominees for Chef of the Year are a talented group of individuals who not only serve consistently well-prepared dishes but also lead and mentor the next generation of cooks. Many are involved in local nonprofits, such as I’ll Have What She’s Having and the Southern Smoke Foundation. The nominees include:
- Aaron Davis, Viola & Agnes: Known for his rustic Southern cooking, Davis has gained a reputation that extends beyond Houston.
- Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen: "Chef G" has come a long way since her pop-up days and has earned a James Beard Award for her modern Thai cuisine.
- David Skinner, Ishtia: After 10 years at Eculent, Skinner has switched things up by seeking inspiration from his Choctaw heritage.
- Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó: With three James Beard Award finalist nominations and a Michelin star, Chavez is one of the rising stars in Houston’s culinary scene.
- Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, Jun: This dynamic duo has combined their powers to create a unique culinary experience that showcases their skills and promotes up-and-coming chefs.
- Felipe Riccio, March: With a passion for pasta and a rigorous approach to capturing the soul of Mediterranean fine dining, Riccio has led March to become a Michelin-starred temple of fine dining.
- Jason Ryczek, Little’s Oyster Bar: The California native has fully embraced his new home in Houston and showcases both Gulf Coast fare and his passion for sustainably-sourced ingredients.
- Manabu Horiuchi, Kata Robata/Katami: A previous winner of Chef of the Year, Hori-san is once again nominated for his consistent excellence and innovative use of Japanese ingredients.
- Mayank Istwal, Musaafer: With a luxurious take on Indian cuisine, Istwal has led Musaafer to a Michelin star and is known for his warm personality and seasonal tasting menu.
- Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast: With a James Beard Award finalist nomination for Best Chef: Texas, Bille’s eclectic fare is making waves in the food world.
- Victoria Elizondo, Cochinita & Co.: A chef, entrepreneur, and cookbook author, Elizondo has grown Cochinita & Co. into a multifaceted business that includes a restaurant and a thriving wholesale business.
The Tastemaker Awards Ceremony
The Tastemaker Awards ceremony will take place on April 3 at Silver Street Studios, where the winners will be announced. The event will feature bites from nominated restaurants and cocktails from sponsors. A limited number of General Admission tickets are still available, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Conclusion
The nominees for Chef of the Year are an impressive group of talented individuals who are making their mark on the culinary scene. With their unique styles, passions, and contributions to the community, they are all deserving of recognition. The Tastemaker Awards ceremony promises to be an exciting event, and we can’t wait to see who will take home the top prize.
