The most delicious event of the year is almost here: CultureMap's 2025 Tastemaker Awards.
Our signature tasting event and awards ceremony is happening April 23 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.), and bringing with it a whole buffet of chef-driven bites and perfectly paired sips that celebrate Fort Worth's unique culinary scene.
Attendees get one delicious evening to sample to their hearts' content, with offerings prepared by the nominees for Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Best Coffee Shop, and Best Barbecue Joint.
Our judging panel of industry experts — including past Tastemaker champs — selects the nominees and winners. However, you determine who wins Best New Restaurant via an online bracket, so be sure to make your votes count before the big day!
You'll want to come hungry to the Tastemaker Awards, considering this sneak peek at what's on the menu:
- Snow crab tacos from Soy Cowboy
- Braised cab short rib from Restaurant506 at the Sanford House
- Mini chicken tinga tostadas from Los Guapos
- Pork belly lumpia from Dayne's Craft Barbecue
- Maracuya (passion fruit) hamachi tiradito from Toro Toro
- Whiskey glazed pork belly from Whiskey Cake
- Grilled meatloaf from Towne Grill
- Chicken kabobs from Terra Mediterranean
- Chicken tinga flautas from La Cabrona
- Turmeric cauliflower from James Provisions
- Tomato basil soup shooters from Bodega South Main
- Cheese and charcuterie from Crystal Springs Hideaway
Of course there will be plenty of sweet treats, as well as coffee-centered pick-me-ups from our wildcard and Pastry Chef of the Year nominees:
- Piña colada mousse, raspberry chocolate mousse, and pain au chocolate from D'Caramel Patisserie
- Lemon curd tart from Bodega South Main
- Vanilla bean mini cupcakes from Sinsational Cakes
- Mini cowboy cookies, mini triple chocolate-nut brownies, and banoffee tarts from The Omni Fort Worth Hotel
- Lavender Bloom and Golden Chai lattes from LaLa Land
To help wet your whistle, choose from these bartender-crafted cocktails:
- Espresso martini from Crystal Springs Hideaway
- The Jackass (Hornitos Tequila, cucumber juice, passion fruit, agave, lime juice, and ginger beer) and Dr Pepper Old Fashioned (Still Austin Whiskey, Montenegro, Dr Pepper reduction, and orange and angostura bitters) from The Down N' Out Bar
There will also be Yuengling beer and even more craft cocktails from sponsors Still Austin Whiskey and Hornitos Tequila.
Stay up to date on all things Tastemaker-related with our special editorial series of stories spotlighting the nominees.
Limited VIP passes remain, and it's obvious why they're such a hot ticket: You gain entry to the event a whole hour early, plus exclusive access to the VIP bar. General admission tickets are also available but are selling fast, so act now to secure your entry to Fort Worth's most delicious night. We'll see you on April 23!
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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Still Austin Whiskey, Hornitos, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Fort Worth Food and Wine Foundation.