Support Us Button Widget
Food

Meet the 2023 class of Austin-San Antonio Rising Stars

Industry magazine StarChefs named 16 local chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, and tastemakers from Austin on its 2023 Austin-San Antonio Rising Stars list.

November 28, 2023 • 
Laura Figi
ATX_StarChefsWinners

Meet a few Austin-San Antonio Rising Stars: Kareem El-Ghayesh, Amanda Turner, Rich Reimbolt, Casandra Perez-Martinez, and Rania Zayyat.

Photos courtesy of StarChefs

We’re starstruck. Restaurant industry magazine StarChefs named its 2023 Austin-San Antonio Rising Stars across eight categories.

The 16 winners are chosen by StarChef editorial staff out of 100+ chefs, bartenders, and tastemakers in the area. This is the third class from Austin-San Antonio.

To celebrate, StarChefs will host Rising Stars Restaurant Week Friday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 15, giving locals a chance to taste signature bites from the winners.

Chefs

Game Changers

  • Arjav Ezekiel and Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel | Birdie’s

Community

Concept

Pastry Chefs

Bartender

Sommeliers

Artisans

View the full list.

More from ATXtoday
A plate of barbecue on a wooden table
Food
Your ultimate guide to Austin barbecue
There’s nothing more Texan than a good ol’ barbecue joint — so let’s explore some of Austin’s best.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A white, oval sticker with an American flag reads "I Voted Yo Voté" and is stuck to a finger. In the background, Austin City Hall is blurred out.
City
10 tips for Austinites on Election Day
Know your rights before you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
McConaughey in a black suit and white shirt stands amid a crowd at a formal event, gazing slightly off-camera. In the foreground, an Oscar statue is visible on the left, indicating the setting is likely an awards ceremony. People in the background appear dressed in formal attire, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
Culture
55 facts about Matthew McConaughey for his 55th birthday
Celebrate the local legend by learning dozens of facts about his life.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
An outdoor movie screening during dusk, with a large crowd seated facing a screen showing the opening credits of a film featuring "Willie Nelson." The scene includes an illuminated wooden building on the left, and a partly cloudy sky above as daylight fades.
Events
Celebrate western culture + film at “Look West” in Luck, Texas
The inaugural event will run Friday, Nov. 8 through Saturday, Nov. 9 on Willie Nelson’s property.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
This historic photograph of the Texas State Capitol features the text "Austin, The Friendly City" in a stylized, cursive font above the image. Captured from the Austin History Center at the Austin Public Library, the image offers a classic view of the Capitol grounds, with lined pathways and symmetrical landscaping leading up to the grand building.
History
Time capsule from 1943 dubs Austin “The Friendly City”
Travel eight decades back in time, and find out how friendly we are today.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The sun sets over houses and the Colorado River from Mount Bonnell.
City
Here’s how many 100º days Austin saw in 2024
Spoiler alert, there were far fewer 100º days in 2024 than 2023. Get your final guesses ready, because we’re not expecting any more to hit this year.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline in front of a red and purple sky.
Live
We’ll take “Austin” for 400
How well do you know ATX? We’re bringing you some fun facts about the city and its history. If you’re a trivia master (or local enthusiast), give this a try.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATXtoday-Halloween-Map-of-Austin-October-2024.jpg
Culture
Your dating horror stories in Austin
We get it — dating in the Capital City can be scary.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A man in a black tank top with the text "card.io - run the map" stands outdoors with a cityscape in the background. He has a focused expression, and his muscular build is highlighted by the bright sunlight. Cranes and buildings are visible behind him against a clear blue sky.
Business
Into the “Shark Tank": How Destin George Bell is changing exercise with Card.io app
The Austin-based entrepreneur created a gameified, turf war-style app that lets folks challenge each other to “claim” areas of town as they exercise.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A young child wearing a colorful knit hat and dark jacket stands in front of a Día de los Muertos altar adorned with marigolds, candles, and framed photos. The altar is decorated with vibrant fabrics and marigold arrangements, creating a festive and respectful atmosphere as people move in the background.
Culture
How to create an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos
Learn about the different elements of altar creation and how to create your own at home.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Adriana Christian