07 MAY 2019:  Last week San Antonio was in town to spice up a wet dreary day with special guest Chef Johnny Hernandez.  Recognized as one of the premier chefs of Mexican cuisine, Chef Hernandez graciously gave a group of media types a master class in preparing a ceviche as he extolled the virtues of San Antonio.

The city, he told us proudly, is the second in the US to be named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO (Tucson is the other) and it offers a ‘distinct, diverse and delicious’ food scene.

As the third fastest growing city in the US, San Antonio is host to more than 34 million visitors a year and it has plenty to offer.

Visit San Antonio’s Communications Manager, Eva Aivaliotis outlined some of the attractions, The Alamo, of course – it’s the number one tourist attraction in Texas – and the River Walk is a must visit.  This amazing network of stone paths along the San Antonio River connects hotels, shops, theaters and restaurants.

“When we talk about the culinary scene, we talk about Tex-Mex, it’s awesome and we all love it.  Aivaliotis said, “but what I love about what Johnny (Chef Hernandez) did today, is that he brought some food that spoke to another part of our culinary scene – authentic Mexican – and all of the other cuisines that make up the scene in San Antonio.”

San Antonio also has the largest collection of Spanish colonial architecture in North America.  There are nationally acclaimed museums including two Smithsonian affiliates and the national center for Latino arts, and for those wanting a day of fun and entertainment there is SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland—the world’s only ultra-accessible theme park for those with special needs.

Chef Hernandez said, “I’ve been involved in food for 20 plus years, I’ve really been a part of the food evolution.” San Antonio, he says has a great variety on offer.  It may be worth a visit for just for the food scene alone – but in addition to its history and culture, it also has great variety, a vibrant art community, a talented music scene and great weather.”  He said, with just a glance out at the cold, grey Toronto afternoon.

He said he talks to the many Canadians visitors who visit his restaurants “on both ends of the river” and at the airport, and they ask when he’s opening a restaurant in Canada.

“I’m working on it,” he laughs – and we hope he really is.