Background 👩‍🏫

In anticipation of Culturemap Houston's annual awards ceremony, where they crown the best of Houston’s culinary and bar scene, we chose three awesome Houston Insiders to attend the event as our VIPs correspondents.

Even though the big day was taken virtual, the organizers didn’t let that put a damper on the festivities. Here is an account from one of our VIP attendees, Marlene Meyers (@funinthecityHTX).

 

 

The Experience 👀

“This year the CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards were done virtually. That was a little disappointing, like a lot of things right now, because I knew I wouldn’t get to stuff my face like a pig all night! But, it turned out to be a nice evening nonetheless. 

Sourced Cocktails delivered the tasting totes to my house and the delivery went off without a hitch! They sent me a text about 30 minutes prior and then another when they got here. I got four different tote bags full of goodies. The food was in a nice cooler tote, and there were lots of drink options and giveaways in the other totes.

I received a 6-pack of Topo Chico, a bottle of Dripping Springs Vodka, a bottle of red wine, 3 cans of Cigar City Brewing beer, a couple of freshly made mixers and some other giveaways items like a jigger, shot glass, sunglasses, koozies, cocktail book, etc. 

Now, for the food. My favorite was the marinated octopus carpaccio from Rosie Cannonball. Even though it was to-go they managed to make a nice presentation. The tomatoes with whipped feta & olive oil from One Fifth Mediterranean would be my second favorite. My favorite cuisine is Mediterranean and I’ve actually had this same dish at the restaurant. I am a lover of baked goods and Rise Cupcakes didn’t disappoint with their chocolate cupcake with chocolate buttercream icing. I’ve never eaten at Himalaya; the chicken biryani was a nice portion and plenty for dinner.

I watched the 30 minute awards ceremony hosted by Bun B. I think it was nicely produced and it was good to feel some sort of connection with the community through the ceremony.”

Winners 🏆

Chef of the Year: Jason Vaughan, Nancy’s Hustle
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Felipe Riccio, Rosie Cannonball
Pastry Chef of the Year: Julia Doran, Nancy’s Hustle
Best New Restaurant: MAD
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Les Ba’get
Best Pizza: Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
Bar of the Year: Monkey’s Tail
Bartender of the Year: Lindsay Rae, Two Headed Dog
Wine Program of the Year: Public Services Wine & Whisky
Brewery of the Year: Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company
Hero Award: Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation
Restaurant of the Year: Himalaya

 

 

⭐ Become a Houston Insider ⭐

Want to get invited to cool events, get awesome discounts on local attractions, and be the first to know about the latest trends in the city? Join the Houston Insiders program now!

You’ll take a short quiz and be on your to becoming the envy of all your (socially-distant) friends. Meeeow! 😻

p.s. Yes, it free.