Tag: Culinary Events

Bring the Heat: Pullman Market Hosts Chili Cook-Off in San Antonio

Pullman Market announces chili cook-off on Saturday June 7, 2025. Photo: Robert J. Lerma, used with permission.

🌶️ Pullman Market’s First-Ever Chili Cook-Off Heats Up San Antonio – June 7

Get ready, San Antonio! Pullman Market at Pearl is bringing the heat with its inaugural Chili Cook-Off, happening Saturday, June 7 from 7–9 p.m. This family-friendly culinary showdown celebrates the city’s rich food culture and invites local home cooks to show off their best chili recipes in a spirited community competition. (Pullman Market, 2025)

🔥 A Cook-Off for a Cause

More than just a spicy good time, the event also supports a heartfelt mission—a portion of the proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of San Antonio, a nonprofit serving the families of fallen and critically injured first responders in Bexar County.

🍲 Two Ways to Compete

Pullman’s Chili Cook-Off features two flavorful categories:

  • Traditional San Antonio Style Chili: Meat-based, no beans, and made from scratch.
  • Creative Chili: Vegetarian, uniquely spiced, or outside-the-box takes on the classic.

Every submission is eligible for the People’s Choice Award, where the public votes for their favorite flavor.

🏆 Prizes Up for Grabs

Winners will walk away with bragging rights and some great rewards:

  • Grand Champion – $500 gift card, trophy, and recipe feature on Pullman’s website and newsletter
  • Traditional Winner – $250 gift card + medal
  • Creative Winner – $250 gift card + medal
  • People’s Choice Award – $200 gift card + medal
  • Best Booth Presentation – $100 gift card + medal
  • All Participants – Certificate of Participation

🎟️ Tickets & Participation

Tickets are available on Eventbrite:

  • VIP Admission includes early access (6–7 p.m.), 10 voting tokens, and two complimentary drinks
  • General Admission includes 5 voting tokens
  • Kids 12 & under get in free!

Want to enter your chili? Email Kyle Lopez, Pullman’s Event Coordinator.

🕖 Event Schedule

  • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – VIP Hour
  • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Main Event
  • 7:15 – 7:45 p.m. – Judges’ Voting
  • 8:15 – 8:30 p.m. – People’s Choice Voting
  • 8:45 – 9:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony

📍 Location: Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
🔗 More info: www.pullmanmarket.com
📷 Follow @pullmanmarket on Instagram
🙏 Learn about the 100 Club: www.100clubsa.org

About Pullman Market:
Located at Pearl in San Antonio, Pullman Market is a 53,000-square-foot culinary destination by the award-winning Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. With a specialty grocer, whole animal butcher, sourdough bakery, tortilleria, five quick-service eateries, and four full-service restaurants, it’s a celebration of Texas ingredients and community connection.

Photo: Pullman Market.

Savor the Flavors: Hotel Emma’s Upcoming Culinary Experiences

Upcoming tastings and celebrations at Hotel Emma include a wine tasting and a Mother’s Day brunch. Photo: Booking.com

Culinary events are a feast for the senses, drawing food lovers into a shared celebration of flavor, creativity, and culture. From food festivals and chef showcases to wine tastings and cooking classes, these gatherings offer a chance to explore new tastes and connect with fellow enthusiasts. It’s not just about the food, but in the experience—watching skilled chefs in action, discovering unique ingredients, and bonding over a mutual passion for food. Culinary events create a vibrant community, where stories are swapped over shared plates and every dish becomes a memory. For foodies, it’s pure edible joy.

Hotel Emma will be hosting several seasonal culinary events this month and the next – from tasting the Sonoma Coast without leaving San Antonio to meeting the team behind the iconic tequila brand El Tequileño, there’s a lot to look forward to. (Hotel Emma, 2025)

Friday, April 25 at 7p.m. in the OAK Room | Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Tasting Feat. Littorai Wine
Sternewirth Bar Lead David Young will lead guests through a tasting of four exceptional single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Littorai’s sustainable, family-run winery on the Northern California coast. Each wine will be thoughtfully paired with bites curated to complement these vintages, including the 2002 Littorai “Les Larmes” Pinot Noir and 2014 Littorai “Cerise Vineyard” Pinot Noir. Join the waitlist here. Tickets sell for $175.

Friday, May 2 at 6p.m. in the Elephant Cellar | El Tequileño Dinner
To kick off Fiesta season, join Hotel Emma for a vibrant evening celebrating Mexican cuisine and world-class tequila. Meet the family behind El Tequileño and enjoy a tasting of four tequilas from their historic “La Guarreña” distillery.

Executive Chef Geronimo Lopez and Chef de Cuisine Ralph Montes have created a multi-course pairing menu inspired by the culinary heritage of Guadalajara—think aguachile-dressed oysters, “Carne en su Jugo,” classic buñuelos, and more.

The evening begins at 6p.m. with a reception in Hotel Emma’s Courtyard featuring Global Brand Ambassador Georgina Salles and Master Distiller Tony Sales, who will answer questions and sign complimentary bottles. Cocktail Hour begins at 6:30p.m. with Emma’s signature La Babia Margaritas, followed by dinner at 7p.m.

Tickets:
Reception & Dinner: $175, see here.
Cocktail Hour & Dinner Only: $125, see here.

Sunday, May 11 at Various Seating Times in the Elephant Cellar | Mother’s Day Brunch
Celebrate Mom with an indulgent brunch at Hotel Emma, featuring chef-run stations and an expansive buffet. From Belgian-style waffles and a raw bar to carved meats and chimichurri-grilled vegetables, every detail is designed to delight. Additional highlights include ceviche platters, morning pastries, and exotic fruits like Rambutan and Soursop drizzled with lime and Tajín.

Seating Times: 10a.m. 1p.m., or 3p.m.
Tickets: $125 per person | $50 for 10 & Under | see here.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(844) 845-7384

A Taste of Spain: Culinary and Cultural Fusion at the Pearl

Texas culinary industry leaders can experience Spain’s finest through cutting-edge panels, exclusive tastings, and more during Spain Fusion. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Culinary and hospitality professionals are invited to attend Spain Fusion 2024, the immersive food & wine experience hosted by Vocento – the team at the helm of Spain’s renowned Madrid Fusion. The FREE event features an educational experience for the senses, offering guests a day of exclusive panels, tastings, and meetings with Spain’s premier exporters of wine, seafood, preserves, Iberian ham, olive oil, jam, cheese, and more. This year’s edition will take place on Friday, October 18 from 11:30a.m. to 10p.m. at Pearl in San Antonio. (Pearl, 2024)

Spain Fusion introduces fresh additions to this year’s lineup, including a panel on Spanish creams and gazpachos as well as a new presentation on top-caliber tuna and sea bass sourced from Spain to be led by returning speaker Chef Danny Lledó, from Washington D.C.’s Michelin-starred restaurant Xiquet. Select featured vendors at the day event are not yet distributed in Texas, so attendees will be the first to taste these premium goods.

The event returns with both Daytime programming and Night Out festivities. From 11:30a.m. to 6p.m., guests are able to partake in educational sessions about Spanish food & wine with tastings and more. From 7p.m. to 10p.m., guests can network and enjoy tasting demonstrations, passed bites and beverages outdoors at the historic Pearl. 

Participants are welcome to attend the come-and-go formats at their convenience for both day and evening events. 

This event is intended for food, beverage and hospitality professionals as well as distributors. However, there will be a limited number of spots available to the general public on a first come, first serve basis. All guests must RSVP HERE for entry. Once spots are filled the link will close. This event is 21 and up only. 

WHEN:
Friday, October 18 from 11:30a.m. – 10p.m.
*Spain Fusion Daytime: 11:30a.m. – 6p.m.
*Spain Fusion Night Out: 7p.m. – 10p.m.

Spain Fusion Daytime:
Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215

Spain Fusion Night Out:
Pearl Park under Cellar’s Pavilion by the Food Hall
312 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pueblos del Maíz: Celebrating the Flavors of Corn and Culture

Pearl to host UNESCO Chefs for Pueblos del Maíz. Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio has blossomed into a vibrant culinary hub, blending rich cultural influences and innovative gastronomy. Its diverse food scene, rooted in Tex-Mex and traditional Southern flavors, showcases local ingredients and culinary traditions. The city has attracted renowned chefs and restaurants, earning accolades in national food rankings. Events like the San Antonio Restaurant Week and the annual Fiesta highlight local talent and foster a strong sense of community. The city’s burgeoning food markets, food trucks, and artisan producers further enrich its culinary landscape, making San Antonio a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking unique and flavorful experiences.

The culinary scene is active throughout the year, with various locations hosting events to highlight the chefs and cuisine that makes San Antonio shine. One of these is the Pearl downtown and this week they are hosting Pueblos del Maíz events.

Pearl is proud to host Pueblos del Maíz events this week on October 10-11, 2024. This celebration highlights San Antonio’s role as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and showcases the importance of maíz (corn) in global culinary traditions. San Antonio UNESCO Chef Ambassadors, including Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui, will showcase the diverse flavors of maíz by preparing small bites inspired by UTSA’s Special Collections cookbooks. (Pearl, 2024)

Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Ticketed event at Carriqui

The event kicks off on October 10 with an exclusive ticketed dinner at Carriqui from 6p.m. to 8p.m. This reception style experience will also feature maíz inspired signature cocktails and tastings of maíz derived spirits prepared by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors. Tickets are $70 per person and available online.

Friday, October 11, 2024 – Free Event at Pearl Park

On October 11, the celebration expands to a free community event at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors from Bergamo, Italy; Tucson, Arizona; Merida, Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas. The event will also feature live music, art installations, and a variety of food and beverage vendors showcasing maíz-inspired creations.

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215

Fiesta’s Taste of the Republic announces 2024 chef lineup

Tickets are now on sale for Fiesta’s culinary kickoff event on April 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Mark your calendars, folks! This year’s Fiesta San Antonio is scheduled for April 18-28 and it’s time to start making plans. What started out as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers parade has grown into a city wide celebration and ‘party with a purpose.’ The Taste of the Republic is the opening event and will take place at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

 

Taste of the Republic, the official culinary opening event of Fiesta® San Antonio, is excited to announce its all star chef lineup for the event on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The following San Antonio chefs will create and serve their vision of Texas cuisine from the six culinary regions of the state defined by the event’s co- founder, Chef Brian West. Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. (Taste of the Republic, 2024)

This year’s participating chef lineup, curated by Chef Brian West, includes:

• Chef Jessie Kuykendall of Mipa
• Chef Ceasar Zepeda of Saucy Bird
• Chef Jose Ochoa of Palenque Grill La Cantera
• Chef Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana & Toro Kitchen + Bar
• Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
• Chef Benjamin De Los Santos of Benjie’s Munch
• Chef Ernie Bradley of The Cherrity Bar
• Chef Lisa Astorga- Watel and Chef Damien Watel of Bistro09
• Chef Joe Melig and Chef Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse
• Chef Kristina Zhao of Dashi & Sichuan House
• Chef Andrew Gutierrez of SA Pops

“We are so excited to bring together an excellent group of San Antonio chefs once again to celebrate Texas’ unique culinary traditions. We can’t wait to celebrate the best of San Antonio and to kick off Fiesta with all of our guests.” – Chef Brian West.

Ticket holders will be able to sample dishes from all the aforementioned chefs. Each dish is paired with a specific wine to compliment it, and beer and cocktails will also be served. Tickets for the event are $125 per person and a portion of the ticket sales goes toward supporting the San Antonio Fiesta Commission.

Taste of the Republic will be held at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion in downtown San Antonio (210 W. Market Street, SA 78205). The event starts at 5p.m. Taste of the Republic’s Main Sponsors include High West Distillery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Proximo, Brugal 1888 rum, Perry Homes Foundation, HeartBrand Beef and Dos Equis.

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Carriqui celebrates Día de los Muertos with reception

Reception will include Soledad tequila tastings, special curated menu, live music, and more. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.

Carriqui continues the annual tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed on Día de los Muertos with a reception on Wednesday, November 1 from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. in the Rockhouse. The one-night-only event includes Soledad tequila tastings, a signature cocktail, wine, live music, and unique bites. Carriqui’s team will also be collaborating on an ofrenda, which will be available for guests to view and contribute their own offerings. (Carriqui, 2023)

The featured unique bites include totopos with smoky chicken tinga, Texas redfish ceviche with charred salsa verde, barbacoa quesadillas, smoked crispy quail with salsa macha, and more. The evening will be complemented by a performance from Latin guitarist Adam Zuniga.

Tickets are available for purchase for $65 per person through OpenTable. Ticket price includes a raffle entry for a limited edition bottle of Soledad Día de los Muertos Janitzio.

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Photo: Carriqui

Next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday

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The next Master Class at Hotel Emma on Wednesday will feature the flavors of Spanish jamon. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The ongoing summer celebration Olé, San Antonio at the Pearl is meant to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary and celebrate its Spanish heritage. Hotel Emma has been participating by hosting master classes featuring food and ingredients from Spain. This Wednesday August 22 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., attendees are invited to discover the exemplary Spanish flavor of jamón at Hotel Emma’s next master class. They will be able to enjoy a tasting and lesson taught by Manuel Antonio Recio, master carver and co-owner of Conserva from Portland, Oregon, as they discover the process and celebrate the noble Spanish pig.

Manuel Antonio Recio will be the expert of the day. He is a master carver and co-owner of Conserva, a specialty food purveyor located in Portland, Oregon. The evening will feature a lesson from Manuel and a tasting – all devoted to jamón. Tickets for the class are $25 and available for purchase online.

Larder and Sternewirth will be featuring tapas and dishes specifically designed to highlight the deep flavor of Spanish jamón. Or, find a seat at Supper’s table to experience Chef John Brand’s inspired approach to this ingredient, available all week long during lunch and dinner.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Tickets to Culinaria Wine + Food Festival now on sale

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Culinaria Wine + Food Festival is coming up in May and early bird tickets are now on sale. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Culinaria Wine + Food Festival is coming up in May and tickets are now available for purchase. Scheduled for Thursday May 17 through Sunday May 20, Culinaria celebrates the best of food through events featuring gourmet creations paired with elegant wines for extravagant tastings prepared by San Antonio’s best chefs, guest chefs and global and local wineries.  Culinaria was created to highlight San Antonio’s passion for food and to spotlight the city as a premiere food and wine destination. In the beginning, it was just a weekend of food and wine on the Riverwalk. Now it has expanded to include events as diverse a food competition and a barbeque extravaganza. (Culinaria, 2018)

Individual tickets start at $75. Early bird ticket purchases are 25 percent off through April 1. Ticket packages feature special amenities and include:

Rising Star: $275
Single ticket package for one to all events: Bubbles, Texas Grand Tasting, Texas Taco Showdown and Burgers, BBQ & Beer.

Weekend Warrior: $210
One ticket to the Texas Grand Tasting, Texas Taco Showdown and Burgers, BBQ & Beer.

A-Lister: $340
VIP ticket package for one to attend all events with access to VIP areas. Bubbles, Texas Grand Tasting, Texas Taco Showdown; Burgers, BBQ & Beer.

Chop It Like It’s Hot: $125
Ticket Package to include one ticket to the Texas Taco Showdown and Burgers, BBQ & Beer.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, a part of Destination Luxury collection, will host Culinaria Festival and is offering guests special rates during the event using promo code: CULINARIA18. Rates start at $249 for standard rooms, $349 for SEVEN, a 46-room “adults only” guest floor experience and $399 for The Villas.

Scheduled events include:
Bubbles – 7p.m., Thursday, May 17, Topaz at La Cantera Resort & Spa
Becker Luncheon – 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 18, Becker Vineyards
Texas Grand Tasting – 7p.m., Friday, May 18, San Antonio Ballroom at La Cantera Resort & Spa
Texas Taco Showdown – 12p.m. to 6p.m., Saturday, May 19, La Cantera Resort & Spa
Burgers, BBQ & Beer – 12p.m.to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 20, La Cantera Resort & Spa

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

Tickets now on sale for Park & Palate in Dallas

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Tickets for the third annual Park & Palate culinary event in Dallas are now on sale.

Tickets are now on sale for the third annual Park & Palate in Dallas. This is one of the hottest culinary fundraising events of the year and it is taking place on Friday October 13 and Saturday October 14, 2017. Klyde Warren Park will be hosting the fundraiser, themed “Pillars and Protégés, and it is a celebration of notable chefs, master sommeliers, wineries, breweries and spirits. It will highlight well-known and up-and-coming chefs from Texas and around the country. Scheduled events include a Grand Taste, an evening concert and Down to the Roots, an exclusive fundraising night for sponsors, underwriters and donors. Tickets to the Grand Taste, which is open to the public, are now on sale online at an early bird price of $60. Regular price for these tickets will be $75. (Park & Palate, 2017)

Park & Palate will be two days of culinary creativity beginning on October 13 with Down to the Roots. The fundraiser will feature culinary pillars Dean Fearing, the night’s host, Kent Rathburn, Hugo Ortega, Jason Dady, Tyson Cole, Jon Bonnell and Becky Mason. Each of them will be paired with a rising chef of their choice, who they have mentored in the past, and will create a dish to be named the favorite by guest judges. The winners will receive a pair of custom Lucchese Bootmaker boots. At previous Park & Palate events, The Grand Taste is a tasting feast that included more than 30 chefs and 30 wineries. The chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and brewers present live cooking demonstrations and cooking tips.  More details on the activities will be available in the coming weeks.

Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201

Austin Food + Wine Festival in April

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The sixth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival will take place April 28 – 30, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

The sixth annual Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in April for three days of tastings and food demonstrations featuring local talent and celebrity culinary stars. It all takes place from Friday April 28 through Sunday April 30, 2017. Festival sponsors include FOOD & WINE, Republic National Distributing, Barilla, Toyota and KitchenAid.  A full list of participating chefs and beverage talent, detailed festival information and ticket information is available online and all attendees must be 21 and older. (Austin Food + Wine Festival, 2017)

The All-In ticket is $625 per person and includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access, access to over 40 culinary demos and beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions, access to the Fire Pits, all-day access to the Grand Taste Pavilion including the Chef Showcase, access to a special Sunday Gospel Brunch by The Warrior Gospel Band, Tim Love’s Hands-On Grilling Demo access for Saturday or Sunday and entrance to evening events including Friday night’s Lone Star Nights and Saturday night’s Rock Your Taco.

The Weekender ticket is $250 per person and includes Saturday and Sunday Festival access, access to over 40 culinary demos and beer, wine and cocktail tasting sessions, access to the Fire Pits, all-day access to the Grand Taste Pavilion including the Chef Showcase and a special Sunday Gospel Brunch by The Warrior Gospel Band.

There will also be a contest/giveaway in which one lucky winner will get to join award-winning chef and author Hugh Acheson on stage during his cooking demo as his Sous Chef.  Prizes include an Austin Food + Wine Festival apron, a signed copy of his “A New Turn In The South” cookbook and an opportunity to assist Hugh, a world-renowned chef, restaurateur and James Beard award-winning cookbook author, while getting the ultimate hands-on lesson.  Information on this unique opportunity is available online.

Auditorium Shores
800 W Riverside Dr
Austin, TX
(512) 974-6700