Johnny Hernandez

Chef Johnny Hernandez (born November 13, 1968) is a Latino chef and graduate from the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park in New York. He founded True Flavors Culinary Concepts, San Antonio's premier catering company, in 1994. He is also the founder of La Gloria, voted the city's Best New Restaurant by critics and locals since its opening in May 2010. Chef Johnny has recently been honored with the titles of Business Owner of the Year by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Leader of the Year by the North Chamber and has worked as spokesperson for the National Pork Board and McCormick Spices.

Life and career

Chef Johnny Hernandez’s passion for food began at the early age of five in his father’s restaurant and in his Westside San Antonio neighborhood. Encouraged by his father to become a chef, Chef Johnny attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. His early career took him to some of the most exclusive resorts in the country, including the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California.

It was his entrepreneurial spirit and love for his cultura that led Chef Johnny to return to San Antonio. In 1994, he opened True Flavors Catering and quickly built a reputation as a rising star in the culinary scene. Since its inception, True Flavors has notably grown to be one of San Antonio’s most regarded caterers, receiving the 2006 Operator of the Year award and being a two-time recipient of the National Association of Catering Executives’ Caterer of the Year. As success continued, Chef Johnny expanded his endeavors, starting the popular seasonal MesAlegre Chef’s Table at the Pearl Farmers Market—a hot-ticket among food and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

Throughout his career, Chef Johnny has been inspired by Mexico and the cultural nuances of each region’s art, agricultural, and most importantly, street food. The food and traditions he has embraced have shaped his vision to create authentic and accessible interior Mexican street food for American diners. His latest venture, La Gloria, situated on the grounds of the Historic Pearl Brewery, is that vision realized. Recently named Best New Restaurant by Express-News readers, La Gloria has been recognized many times over for its unique concept and unparalleled dishes by local and national media, including San Antonio Magazine, Siempre Hombre, Texas Monthly, and Travel and Leisure.

For Chef Johnny, mentoring young Hispanic aspiring chefs and giving back through extensive involvement in numerous community, non-profit, and professional organizations ranks among his most rewarding experiences. Chef Johnny created the Paella Challenge, an annual fundraising event that raised over $55,000 for scholarships this year. In addition, Chef Johnny was selected as the national spokesman for McCormick Spices, recently touring the country with the world-renowned spice brand on their Asando Sabroso campaign.

Chef Johnny has received a number of recognitions for his culinary accomplishments, including the title of “Celebrated Chef” and has worked as spokesperson for the National Pork Board. Most recently, he has been named one of the Top 5 Latino Chefs in the country. Appointed by the Mayor to serve as a commissioner for the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau and by the president of the Culinary Institute of America to serve as an alum on their advisory council, Chef Johnny strives to nurture young “culinarians” through mentorship and serving as a leader in his industry, as well as a positive role model in his community.

La Gloria, Street Foods of Mexico

Chef Johnny Hernandez is changing the way diners taste, experience, and think about Mexican food. Innovative, deeply rooted in culinary traditions, and inspired by his extensive travels throughout Mexico, Chef Hernandez has brought authentic Mexican street food to San Antonio with his culinary destination, La Gloria.

La Gloria was created to celebrate the rich and delicious street foods of interior Mexico. Opened in May 2010, La Gloria is situated on the grounds of the historic Pearl Brewery. The menu is filled with the heavenly flavors ordinarily found only among the street vendors, taquerías, and kitchens of interior Mexico. Devotion to authenticity goes beyond the menu and is reflected in every facet of La Gloria, from the stunning copper grill hand-crafted by Mexican artisans, to the unique angeles sopladores y voladores - flying and blowing angels that welcome diners and blow away evil spirits.

Since its inception, La Gloria has received a multitude of rave reviews, media mentions, awards, and recognition, including –

• “Best New Restaurant” - Reader’s Choice by San Antonio Express-News, June 2011
• “Best New Restaurant” by San Antonio Magazine, April 2011
• “Where to Eat in San Antonio” by Travel & Leisure, March 2011
• “Where to Eat Now 2011” by Texas Monthly, February 2011
• “Best Restaurant in Texas” by The San Antonio Express-News, January 2011
• “Weekend Getaway Destination in San Antonio” by Southern Living, November 2010
• “Pat’s Pick” Feature in Texas Monthly, July 2010

From tacos al pastor in Mexico City and tlayudas in Oaxaca to Pescado Zarandeado from the streets of Nayarit, Mexico’s street foods are as unique and colorful as its traditions, culture, and people. When guests come to enjoy La Gloria’s food and drinks, they soon realize no hace falta morir para llegar a la Gloria (“You don’t have to die to go to Heaven”).

References

External links

• http://www.lagloria.com
• http://www.trueflavors.com