Hotel Emma executive chef Geronimo Lopez just snagged a dream assignment.
For the next two years, he’s been charged with promoting San Antonio as a major culinary destination.
Lopez and five other local chefs have been selected as chef ambassadors to represent San Antonio as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy at food festivals, media engagements and other culinary events.
“I feel that San Antonio is in a moment right now,” Lopez said. “We need to keep pushing the city as a culinary destination. I’m excited.”
Joining Lopez as chef ambassadors are Jason Dady, chef owner of the Jason Dady Restaurant Group; Joel “Tatu” Herrera, executive chef at Desert Spoon and chef/owner of Folklores Coffee House; Lizzeth Martinez, chef/owner of Naco Grayson; Stephannie Beyers, chef/owner of Eat Chingon; and chef Ana Sofia Sada Cervantes, instructor at the Culinary institute of America in San Antonio.
“I can’t think of anything locally, from a recognition point of view, that ‘s meant more to my mission of pushing the food culture of San Antonio forward,” said Dady, a James Beard-nominated restaurateur. “I feel lucky and fortunate I get to carry the torch of all the chefs before me to shine light on the city.”
San Antonio chef Jason Dady poses for a portrait in the kitchen of his restaurant Roca & Martillo. Credit: Diego Medel / San Antonio Report
A selection committee comprised of the SanAntonio UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Advisory Group and City of San Antonio staff evaluated chef ambassador proposals.
“The ambassadors are responsible for representing San Antonio locally and internationally,” said chef and selection committee member Johnny Hernandez. “We receive multiple invitations through the UNESCO network and we have several local events.”
A former instructor at CIA in San Antonio, Lopez has been mentoring local chefs for more than a decade. His proteges include Nicola Blaque, a James Beard nominee and two-time San Antonio Chef of the Year, Jesse Kuykendall, a former UNESCO chef ambassador; and Aaron Juvera of Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, San Antonio’s first chef certified through the Oyster Master Guild.
Lopez applied to become a chef ambassador in April. He learned of his acceptance this week.
“I’m very happy because I know most of the people in the group,” he said. “They’re good friends of mine. I’m looking forward to seeing what types of events we can create to bring more attention to the city.”
Joel “Tatu” Herrera of Desert Spoon and Folklores Coffee House. Credit: Nick Wagner / San Antonio Report
The previous chef ambassador cohort included Leo Davila, formerly of Stixs & Stone; Uyen Pham of CIA; Sofia Tejeda, formerly of Supper; Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui; Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana and Toro Kitchen + Bar; and John Tamez of Brackenridge High School.
A special presentation will be made in the fall to recognize the new chef ambassadors.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new cohort of chef ambassadors, who will play a vital role in promoting the vibrant culinary heritage of San Antonio,” Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office, said in a statement. “Their commitment to promoting San Antonio’s culinary landscape, community involvement, and innovation embodies the spirit of our city’s gastronomy.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017.
Tucson, Arizona is the only other U.S. city with the UNESCO designation.
The new cohort of chef ambassadors excites Elizabeth Johnson, chef/owner of Pharm Table and a member of the selection committee.
“The overwhelming talent we encountered during the selection process is a testament to the incredible diversity, skill and dedication present in San Antonio’s culinary landscape,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am eager to see how our chef ambassadors showcase the distinctive flavors that set our city apart on the global stage.”