[citation needed]. Huachinango Chile Limon from La Gloria. Pearl Farmers’ Market – Make a Meal Out of It! La Gloria at Pearl, A Touch of Heaven on Earth. The SARA, San Antonio Restaurant Association, Showcase Dinner was a huge success once again this year. The advice I would give to aspiring chefs is to invest in your education; it will pay dividends many times over,” he explains. Chef Johnny Hernandez outside his first restaurant, La Gloria, in San Antonio, Texas. El Machito specializes in mesquite grilled meats prepared in the style of the carne asadas of northern Mexico and the campestre style of Guadalajara. “When I was 14, I got hired at a Marriott downtown to cut up fruit for their brunch buffet,” he recalls. Challenges have been issued, terms are to be negotiated. “I brought my favorite tastes from my travels through Mexico to San Antonio. He was only 25 years old, but had a management position that involved travel all over Texas. An honorable call to settle the dispute by duel is hereby issued by Chef Johnny Hernandez, whose own San Antonio-based culinary empire includes the flags of La Gloria, Fruteria, El Machito and True Flavors. Chef Johnny Hernandez recognized as the guest chef at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the White House ChefJohnnyHernandez uploaded a video 6 years ago 4:00. The iconic chef says the dining … The Casa Hernan opened in 2012 in San Antonio. They’d volunteer at a summer camp in Aguascalientes, 12 hours from the Texas border. His first stop was the CIA in Hyde Park, NY—where he entered the associate degree program in culinary arts. Check us out on social media. In 2010, he opened La Gloria, which highlights Mexican street food at the Pearl Brewery complex. Around this time, Hernandez started joining his mom on service trips to Mexico. After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Johnny is the second generation of … More than 500 people were on hand to sample his authentic Mexican fare and signature margaritas. Mar 8, 2015 - San Antonio Chef Johnny Hernandez shares his favorite holiday recipes with The Latin Kitchen. It’s Johnny’s trademark fresh and flavorful food that is the foundation of his brand. What’s Next for Them. After graduation, Johnny worked at the Mirage in Las Vegas, NV, and the Four Seasons, a boutique property in Santa Barbara, CA. Chef Johnny Hernandez is living proof that you can come home again. Fun, Food and Fund Raising. A celebration of all things meat, El Machito specializes in mesquite-grilled meats prepared in the traditional style of northern Mexico and Guadalajara. It’s a warm, rich laugh that surfaces easily and often—and it’s contagious. Umm if Recognizing Johnny’s spirit and drive, his father urged him to get the best culinary education he could and become a chef. Casa Hernán, opened in 2012 and exclusively catered by True Flavors, is an airy, welcoming facility with full event planning and coordination that embodies Johnny’s commitment to honoring and celebrating the graceful elegance of Mexico. El Machito, 7300 Jones Maltsberger, the newest concept by chef Johnny Hernandez, is open. Kitchen Campus is a nonprofit organization, established in 2014 by Chef Johnny Hernandez, with a mission to connect today’s youth to culinary opportunities through education and advocacy. Johnny Hernandez is in the kitchen of his San Antonio home slicing melon, pineapple, and papaya into perfectly symmetrical strips when the memory of his first restaurant job makes him laugh out loud. His annual Paella Challenge, held at the CIA, San Antonio, funds culinary school scholarships to the CIA. 2014 also saw the opening of Hernandez’s molino, Tortilleria La Gloria which utilizes traditional, old world methods to produce freshly made corn products for each of his establishments, as well as other San Antonio area restaurants. Knowing the reputation the CIA has built in the culinary world, as well as its relationship with a developer that is devoted to culinary excellence, I felt the possibilities of success were limitless.” Johnny has opened three additional La Gloria restaurants: at San Antonio Airport International Airport’s Terminal A, in the Dominion neighborhood on the northwest side of San Antonio, and at the Forum Food Court at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. As an active alumnus, Johnny has been a guest presenter at the CIA’s Latin Flavors American Kitchens, the Worlds of Flavor® Conference, and a commencement speaker at a Hyde Park and San Antonio graduation ceremonies. Adding to his family of dining and entertaining establishments, Hernandez opened his fifth dining concept, Villa Rica, in February 2018 in partnership with the Guzman family of Veracruz Mexico. Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America, associate degree program in culinary arts, the reputation the CIA has built in the culinary world, bachelor’s degree from the CIA has given him a strong foundation, Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate (ACAP), Farm-to-Table: Practices of a Sustainable Table, Message Regarding New York Campus Reopening Plans, Virtual Accepted Student Day—New York Campus, CIA Green and Gold—New York Fall Students, CIA Green and Gold—New York Spring Students, International Students Admissions Requirements, Tuition, Grants, and Financial Information, How to Apply: Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees. Chef Johnny Hernandez explains, first hand, that freshness and authenticity is what makes TexMex food great. Johnny Hernandez. Entrepreneur and Chef Johnny Hernandez will present a virtual river parade the evening of Oct. 30, to be broadcast on KSAT locally and with 70 media partners throughout Latin America. In November 2017, Hernandez opened his fourth dining concept, Burgerteca. SAN ANTONIO – Chef Johnny Hernandez is trying out a new culinary concept.. In 1994, Johnny started his own business with the opening of True Flavors, a successful catering and special events company in San Antonio. Back To Top “Don’t ever consider this career unless you absolutely can’t imagine doing anything else. “We considered other locations but I was convinced that positioning La Gloria next to The Culinary Institute of America at San Antonio would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Designed to evoke the grandeur of historic haciendas of Mérida, Mexico, Casa Hernán, plays host to private events and culinary events, such as the chef’s Barbacoa brunch, and has been featured in Saveur,[2] Martha Stewart Magazine and Emmy nominated program, Simply Ming. La Gloria is a place that was created to celebrate the rich and delicious street foods from interior Mexico. Check out the menu for The Fruteria Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez.The menu includes breakfast / lunch, dinner / cocktail, and weekend brunch / cocktail. 7,245 Followers, 405 Following, 550 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Chef Johnny Hernandez (@iamchefjohnny) Johnny is the chef and entrepreneur behind True Flavors Catering, a company dedicated to culinary innovation and customer service. El Machito is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Official Facebook Page for Chef Johnny Hernandez The restaurant near The Quarry specializes in mesquite-grilled meats prepared in the traditional style of t… “The site selection for La Gloria was a strategic and well-thought-out process,” Johnny says. In 2012, Johnny opened The Fruteria-Botanero, which literally means “green grocer,” at the Steel House Lofts in the Southtown section of San Antonio. Learn how and when to remove this template message, http://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/I-Love-My-Kitchen-Because-Johnny-Hernandez, http://www.ming.com/simply-ming/episodes/season-10/episode-1021-on-the-road-in-san-antonio.htm, http://chefjohnnyhernandez.com/casahernan/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Hernandez&oldid=966185250, Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park alumni, Articles with a promotional tone from July 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 5 July 2020, at 15:59. [citation needed]. [3][4], The Fruteria-Botanero opened in late 2012, in San Antonio’s historic Southtown neighborhood. “Street foods provide a strong central theme for people to connect to,” Johnny says. National Journal This profile is part of a weeklong Next America series … The historic building, a former factory and metal shop, is filled with Mexican art and whimsical touches. An entrepreneur even as a child, Johnny would take breakfast tacos from his dad’s restaurant and sell or barter them at school. Thank You, Kit! [citation needed], In March 2014, Hernandez opened his third dining concept, El Machito, located in the former Alamo Cement Company building in San Antonio’s Quarry Market. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Chef Johnny Hernandez Ceviche Verde Amounts: Ingredients: 1 lb Pacific halibut or other firm-fleshed fish, fresh, chopped into 1/2-inch cubes 1 tsp Kosher salt, plus more, to taste 3 Tbsp Lime juice, fresh 2ea Avocados, peeled, pitted and diced 3/4 C Green olives, sliced 1/2 C Tomatillo, diced Food plays an important role; Hernandez talks about his family traditions; Dishes will be available at La Villita; Food plays an important role in the Dia De Muertos celebration. Chef Johnny Hernandez has a warning for restaurant industry as coronavirus measures force eateries to adjust. On May 5, 2016, Johnny was invited to be the guest chef at President and Mrs. Obama’s White House Cinco de Mayo celebration. SA superstar chef Johnny Hernandez is moving ahead on plans for a fifth La Gloria location — nearly two years after those plans were initially announced, according to the Rivard Report. ALL RESTAURANTS. 4th Annual Paella Challenge – Hosted by Chef Johnny Hernandez! An entrepreneur even as a child, Johnny would take breakfast tacos from his dad’s restaurant and sell or barter them at school. Today, Johnny has an empire of nine restaurants, an event venue, and a contract at the San Antonio convention center. October 25—Johnny Hernandez ’89 Founder/President, Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc. Watch Chef Johnny prepare a seasonal Mexican tlacoyo, a fresh-pressed oval-shaped corn tortilla, topped with seared scallops and an herb mole.. 35 talking about this. Noted San Antonio restauranteur Johnny Hernandez has closed his South Flores Street eatery The Fruiteria Botanero. Chef Johnny Hernandez, more than any other restauranteur, has put San Antonio cuisine on the map. He grew up in San Antonio, where his father, a Mexican migrant worker with a second grade education, owned Johnny’s Cafeteria and Catering. Chef Johnny Hernandez is living proof that you can come home again. What will ensue? In April 2014, Johnny debuted El Machito near the Alamo Quarry Market. “It’s one of the highest accomplishments of my career,” he explained. Johnny’s bachelor’s degree from the CIA has given him a strong foundation upon which to build his growing business. Chef Johnny Hernandaez The Frutería – Botanero I was recently invited to the Grand Opening of Chef Johnny Hernandez’s The Frutería – Botanero in San Antonio for a Dinner with Tequila Pairing. Upon returning to San Antonio in 1994, he opened his first venture, True Flavors Catering. Continuing his trademark commitment to authenticity, El Machito’s art and décor has been sourced from artisans and families throughout Mexico. The chef has just announced via press release that he'll be relocating El Machito to the Brooks (formerly Brooks City-Base) on the Southside. (SAN ANTONIO)– Chef Johnny Hernandez is excited to announce two new restaurants coming to Brooks on the Southside of San Antonio, TX. Hometown hero Johnny Hernandez was the latest San Antonio chef to appear on the Food Network show “Beat Bobby Flay,” and also the latest to watch Flay claim victory. © 2021 The Culinary Institute of America, All rights reserved. He grew up in San Antonio, where his father, a Mexican migrant worker with a second grade education, owned Johnny’s Cafeteria and Catering. Chef Johnny Hernandez posted on Instagram: “Coming to a neighborhood near you, we launched our first Margarita Truck today and next week we…” • See all of @iamchefjohnny's photos and videos on … “I’m very excited to share the authenticity of Mexican cuisine with the White House and to bring the culture of San Antonio to a whole new place.”. The casual space inspired by Mexico’s fruit stalls serves fresh fruit cups, smoothies, tortas, and tostadas during the day, and tapas and cocktails at night. This year the event raised $70K and sponsored an all-expenses-paid trip for four aspiring high school age chefs and their teacher to the CIA’S Hyde Park campus. Returning to Texas, he worked as corporate chef at the Old San Francisco Steak House. Style & Design Chef Johnny Hernandez Turns His Home Into an Art-filled Wonderland. Steven Raichlen and I at the Showcase Dinner. I feel it’s a specialization that will evolve in the next 10–15 years and will create career opportunities for those who have mastered the nuances of this relatively undiscovered cuisine.”, “My education at The Culinary Institute of America was without a doubt the single most important decision of my career. The open fire mesquite grill, framed by a wooden altar, provides a window for diners to admire the skills of the specially trained grill chefs who masterfully control the heat to prepare every variety of meat. He took that degree back home with him to San Antonio, and has never looked back! Called San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade, the televised event will feature 20 floats with 20 giant skulls, or cráneos, painted by 20 local artists. Chef Johnny Hernandez is making moves. Also see photos and tips from visitors. instagram facebook twitter. On Thursday, Chef Johnny Hernandez announced a new culinary vision as he rolled out a fleet of margarita trucks to deliver alcoholic beverages and food across the city. SAN ANTONIO -- Chef Johnny Hernandez sat down with us to talk about the traditions of Day of the Dead and all the details that go into the celebration. That's what makes him one of the people that makes San Antonio Great. Sign up. In a press release Thursday, La Gloria announced the launch of Margarita Trucks. Opened in May 2010,[1] La Gloria is situated on the grounds of the historic Pearl Brewery. Your Child Got Accepted! The Fruteria - Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez, San Antonio: See 71 unbiased reviews of The Fruteria - Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #248 of 4,771 restaurants in San Antonio. Posts Tagged With: Chef Johnny Hernandez. “I really fell in love with the people, the culture, and the food,” he says. Chef Johnny Hernandez announced via the restaurant's social media that the South Flores spot will close temporarily after eight years in business. Posted on October 6, 2013 by Texas Style Cuisine. The Fruteria has two outposts, one at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and another at The Gardens of the Gods at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. If it seems like hard work, it is…the hours are long, but the joy that comes from doing what you love most is immeasurable.” When asked about the future of Latin cuisine Johnny explained, “The evolution of Latin cuisines is in its infancy. From tacos al pastor in Mexico City, tlayudas in Oaxaca, to coctéles de mariscos from Veracruz, Mexico’s street foods are as unique and colorful as its traditions, people and culture. Chef Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria fame and his brother Mark Hernandez have opened The Eatery by True Flavors at San Antonio Water System Headquarters, providing chef-inspired dining options for both SAWS team members and the public. “It’s my goal with the Paella Challenge to help nurture San Antonio’s future culinary leaders, and it’s important to me to give back to the community that’s always been so supportive of my businesses,” says Johnny. Johnny Hernandez is a chef, entrepreneur, and founder and president of Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc. Johnny Hernandez was born and raised in a community of first-generation Mexican-American families. Chef Johnny Hernandez is one of the premier Mexican cuisine chefs in the United States and a recognized authority on Mexican cuisine and culture. Chef Johnny Hernandez’s Tex-Mex Empire By Jennifer Chappell Smith 12.9.16 The menu at La Gloria looks different than San Antonio’s classic Tex-Mex joints and represents more than a decade’s worth of dreams — along with a few risks. Johnny’s restaurants employ 250 people and he is a partner in the RK Culinary Group that handles the food service contracts at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. Johnny Hernandez is a chef, entrepreneur, and founder and president of Grupo La Gloria and True Flavors Inc. The foods are authentic, accessible, and easy to understand.” He has appeared as a guest celebrity chef on food and travel network shows like Top Chef, Man Fire Food, Simply Ming, and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, as well as garnering lots of ink in magazines like Bon Appétit, Saveur, Travel & Leisure, and Texas Monthly. Unfortunately, it has suffered at the hands of some large national commercial chains that sacrifice subtlety for volume. 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