Culinary Travels to Texas | Tourné Cooking: Food Recipes & Healthy Eating Ideas

 

Up until this July, I had never been to Texas.  My husband was actually born there however has never returned.  This year’s USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association) conference was being held in San Antonio and I can tell you that I was more than excited to attend.  Initially, I was looking forward to be surrounded by other chefs, like myself, but as the departure date drew closer I knew I was going to have fun exploring the culinary world of the South.  Not liking to fly, I choose to drive the 1200 miles to San Antonio via New Mexico.  Yes, I was avoiding the planes but I validated the LONG two day drive there (and back of course) with the fact that I would be doing research along the way…aka tasting, eating, shopping etc.

Without turning this blog into a novel, I can say that I was truly amazed with how much I enjoyed San Antonio.  History and geography were not my strong points in high school, however I soaked up every detail of how San Antonio became to be so diversified and found it amazing.  Of course, I look at details differently than I would have years ago.  I tend to focus on the culinary trends and what influences particular areas.  San Antonio is unique in that its history includes German, Spanish, Mexican, French and Indian influences that are still evident today.

Our guest speakers at the conference did a wonderful job at describing the diverse cultural makeup of the area. Latin Chef Johnny Hernandez owns several restaurants in and around San Antonio as well as other states.  His story is one to savor and his passion for food, tradition and family I found admirable.  Of course following it up with a fantastic meal at his restaurant La Gloria was a treat.