Chefs
Chefs of Taste of the Republic
Each year Brian West joins with 14 of San Antonio’s most prestigious chefs to craft a culinary tour of Texas. Two chefs are assigned to each region. These teams create sumptuous and creative creations that feel right at home in their chosen part of the Republic.
Take a look at the culinary masters we have lined up for 2026:
Chef Brian West
Chef Brian West- Taste of the Republic Co-Founder
Chef Brian West has been at the forefront of the San Antonio Culinary scene for decades. He infamously developed the concept upon which Taste of the Republic is based while teaching at the Culinary Institute of the Americas.
Learn more about Chef West at his website
Jose Ochoa
South Texas
Our first South Texas chef, Chef Jose Ochoa, is a veteran of Taste of the Republic. Since the first year, this Palenque Grill owner and operator and Cordon Bleu culinary school alumni has delighted our attendees with his Tex-Mex delights. We’re proud to have him once again representing South Texas!
Ernie Bradley
South Texas
Our second South Texas chef, Chef Ernie Bradley, is another familiar face to Taste of the Republic and the Tex-Mex region. Chef Ernie is the executive chef and partner at Cherrity Bar on San Antonio’s east side. This unique eatery began in 2018, in part to raise money and awareness for the Tourette Association of America. Since then, the bar has continued to raise money for non-profit groups on a monthly basis. We’re so proud to have this chef with a heart of gold as part of our Taste of the Republic team!
Benjie de los Santos
Gulf Coast
Known around San Antonio and the country for his new American comfort food, Taste of the Republic veteran Chef Benjie De Los Santos of Benjie’s Munch will be taking on our Gulf Coast region with a seafood dish and Texas twist.
Nicola Blaque
Gulf Coast
Our next Gulf Coast chef is the Michelin award-winning chef of The Jerk Shack, Nicola Blaque. Chef Nicola’s Cajun-inspired food has been recognized by the Food Network and won multiple awards. Chef Blaque’s food was a huge hit at last year’s Taste of the Republic. Don’t miss out on this year’s delicious seafood dishes!
Juan Carlos Bazan
Central Texas Barbecue
The first Chef who will be offering Barbecue meats from Central Texas at Taste of the Republic is Chef Juan Carlos Bazan of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana. Bazan made his reputation in Mexico City and at the Michelin Star restaurant Monastrell. He is known for his Tapas and Spanish-style Mexican dishes. This year, he’ll be mixing things up with some good ol’ Texas Barbecue.
Jesse Kirk
Central Texas Barbecue
Our next Chef who will be cooking up Texas Barbecue favorites is Chef Jesse Kirk! Jesse Kukyndall is the executive chef at Ocho Restaurant in Hotel Havana. Chef Kirk, along with being a 2020 winner of Food Network‘s Chopped, also represented San Antonio as the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy ambassador in 2023. Chef Kirk is also our follower’s favorite chef from last year’s Taste of the Republic.
Austin Bay Kaius
East Texas
Meet Chef Kaius Austin-Bay of The Chef Kaius Xperience! Chef Kaius made his TOR debut last year with a delicious North Texas steak dish. This year he’s returning to his roots and offering his award-winning southern comfort food for our East Texas region. Be sure you don’t miss out on these delicious southern dishes with a Texas twist.
Braunda Smith
East Texas
Our first chef who will be preparing East Texas southern comfort delights is Braunda Smith chef and owner of Lucy Cooper’s on San Pedro. A Georgia native, she has been cooking southern food with a Cajun twist since she was a child. Smith has been featured in both Chopped and “Guy’s Grocery Games” on the Food Network. We’re more than happy to have Braunda’s delicious creations back for this year’s Taste of the Republic.
Ceasar Zepeda
West Texas
Texas native and celebrated San Antonio chef Ceasar Zepeda is taking on our West Texas red and green chili region. Originally from the small town of Banquett, west of Corpus Christi, Zepeda has always had a passion for pairing delicious food with great drinks. He is now the executive chef of Pedrotti’s Ranch and we are thrilled to have him back as one of our Texas regional chefs!
Lisa and Damien Watel
West Texas
The Watels have been delighting San Antonians with delicious French cuisine for over 25 years. The Watel’s have owned and operated several successful gourmet restaurants in San Antonio since 1999 including Chez Vatel Bistro and Bite in South Town. Their current Alamo Heights eatery, Bistr09, serves French delicacies alongside casual favorites. We’re thrilled they’re bringing a European flare to our West Texas Green Chili region.
Kristina Zaho
North Texas
Our second North Texas chef, Chef Kristina Zaho is the owner and operator of the popular Asian fusion restaurants DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar and Sichuan House. This Chinese-American chef and San Antonio native will be bringing a Sichuan spin to our North Texas steak region.
Mark Scheck
North Texas
Known in San Antonio for his elevated Barbecue dishes, Chef Mark Scheck of Dorrego at the Valencia Hotel on San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk is taking on North Texas steak this year. Scheck is another veteran of Taste of the Republic and has consistently delighted attendees with these delicious plates. We’re proud to have this talented chef take on Texas beef.
Andrew Gutierez
Dessert
Acclaimed pastry and dessert chef, Andrew Gutierrez of SA Pops is bringing his sweet donut treats to Taste of the Republic! Chef Gutierrez opened SA Pops in 2013 and has since become known for his homemade donuts, paletas, fruit creations and other sweet treats. Delicious donut delicacies will be paired with sparkling champagne for a perfect Taste of the Republic finish.