Although he’d had limited exposure to other types of cuisine, Hernandez got more experience than most growing up. Hernandez has used La Gloria to spotlight food-stall fare from Mexico’s mountain and coastal towns by preparing it with the freshest ingredients in the most traditional ways. I’m really going to embrace the theme of street food,’” Hernandez says. 224 talking about this. Hernandez is a successful caterer and chef-turned-maverick restaurateur in this hotbed of Tex-Mex eateries, thanks to his devotion to the most authentic of cuisine — Mexican street food. The historic building, a former factory and metal shop, is filled with Mexican art and whimsical touches. La Gloria, however, worked from opening day, probably because its chef fully committed to the concept, even incorporating “Street Foods of Mexico” into the restaurant logo. 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. The CIA’s presence has invigorated the food scene in San Antonio and provides talent to fuel its culinary renaissance. After a job cooking at a downtown hotel during high school, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., with his dad’s encouragement. But Hernandez … Now he has two other La Gloria locations in San Antonio and one in Las Vegas, along with his catering business and two other authentic Mexican restaurant concepts in the Alamo City. Along with his extensive wine cellar are more pieces from his Mexican art collection and several large dining tables that he uses for tequila tasting parties with friends. Official Facebook Page for Chef Johnny Hernandez We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. La Gloria’s riverside vibe served as an early cornerstone of the revitalized complex, dubbed Pearl, now home to shops, condos, restaurants, and the dazzling new Hotel Emma, not to mention the third location of the Culinary Institute of America. After a warm greeting, he quickly walked through the grounds, pointed out various projects and future plans for the massive courtyard, only slowing down once he reached the vegetable garden. The visionary behind La Gloria (where he will celebrate Cinco de Mayo), the new Burgerteca, and more than a dozen other San Antonio restaurants (he spent Cinco de Mayo two years ago cooking tres leches and pineapple empanadas for President Barack Obama at the White House), gave us a tour through his historic abode, which is full of unexpected surprises. 7,245 Followers, 405 Following, 550 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Chef Johnny Hernandez (@iamchefjohnny) He’s made street food chic, presenting it authentically in hip, urban spaces that appeal to local folk and tourists alike. Hernandez was named a Top 5 Hispanic Chef in America by Siempre Mujer magazine and served as a guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef. Back To Top Join Facebook to connect with Ivannia Hernández and others you may know. instagram facebook twitter. He loved the idea but had doubts. “I wasn’t doing French food, but I could apply those skills and pick up quickly.”. Hernandez, 47, learned to cook from his dad, who owned a neighborhood Mexican café on San Antonio’s west side. One thing you won’t find at La Gloria: enchiladas drowning in cheese and refried beans. 1 of 24. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. It’s a story from the heart.”. An investor befriended Hernandez through True Flavors and encouraged him to open his Mexican restaurant at his new development — a remarkable complex along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk on the site of the historic Pearl Brewery. His father, the son of Mexican migrant farmhands, gravitated toward cooking himself, staying behind in the kitchen with his grandmother when his parents traveled to different cities to work. The upper levels are a stark, muted contrast to the colorful first floor. The restaurant has been lauded in the pages of Bon Appétit, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and other high-profile magazines. “As a chef, you get all excited, thinking, ‘I’m going to introduce different styles and ingredients and spices,’” he says. It took a lot of thought and fine-tuning to deliver that.”. https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-0, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-1, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-2, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-3, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-4, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-5, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-6, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-7, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-8, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-9, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-10, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-11, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-12, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-13, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#gallery-14, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-0, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-1, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-2, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-3, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-4, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-5, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-6, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-7, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-8, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-9, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-10, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-11, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-12, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-13, https://www.texasmonthly.com/style/chef-johnny-hernandez-turns-home-art-filled-wonderland/#photo-14. He has created Kitchen Campus, an after-school program for middle school students. The screened porch off of Hernandez's living room is most often used as a place to enjoy his morning coffee before he's off to one of his restaurants like La Gloria in the Pearl or his latest, Burgerteca and Villa Rica. The pergola near the garden is mostly used for outdoor dinner parties. Until Then, I’m Sleeping With One Eye Open.”, How Six of Your Favorite Texans Are Celebrating the Holidays This Year, Meet the Businesswoman Behind Kacey Musgraves’s Viral Light-Up Cowboy Hats, The Best Holiday Gifts From Texas Museum Shops, According to Staffers, Sanderson Is an Underrated, Adventurous West Texas Escape, Ten Great Vacation Rentals Vetted by Texas Monthly Writers, Texas Wedding Photographers Have Seen Some $#!+, How the Most Hyped U.S. Oil Merger in a Decade Went Bust, Meet the Unruly Clan That Once Ruled the Hill Country, Recipe: Truth Barbeque’s Triple Chocolate Cake, Why Texas Still Celebrates Confederate Heroes Day, Amid a Spate of Late-Term Trump Pardons, Reality Winner’s Name Remains Conspicuously Absent, Why Droves of Pilgrims Trek to This Tree in South Texas Every Year, Where to Hunt, or Photograph, Exotic Animals in Texas, Meanwhile, in Texas: A Potbellied Pig Repeatedly Breaks Loose, La Gloria (where he will celebrate Cinco de Mayo), cooking tres leches and pineapple empanadas for President Barack Obama at the White House). El Machito, which opened in 2014, features mesquite-grilled meats in traditional Mexican styles, including the chef’s signature cabrito asado, a special preparation of goat meat. Check us out on social media. Chef Johnny Hernandez is among those in the hospitality industry who give back to the community. An entrepreneur even as a child, Johnny would take breakfast tacos from his dad’s restaurant and sell or barter them at school. Paella Challenge for Education Por: @DoreenColondres www.LaCocinaNoMuerde.com La ciudad de San Antonio, Texas, me llena de orgullo invitándome a ser jurado del Corona Paella Challenge que se celebra el próximo domingo, 26 de marzo de 2017. 155 personas están hablando de esto. Official Facebook Page for Chef Johnny Hernandez The masks are made by Prudencio Guzman of Tonalá, Jalisco. “Chopping, peeling, sautéing — those are things I grew up doing,” Hernandez says. "I've always dreamt of having a basement cellar," Hernandez says. “I understood our local traditions and cuisine very well growing up here.”. Does all this Tex-Mex talk have you in a cooking mood? Meet the 11 Texas Olympians Heading to Tokyo, Honoring Lunar New Year Traditions in Texas. Official Facebook Page for Chef Johnny Hernandez Hernandez made sure the menu starts with a taco section to help first-timers expecting Tex-Mex to feel comfortable, but his tacos come in 11 varieties — from bistec (chopped grilled beef) to potosinos (cheese with chili sauce). In trendy Southtown, The Frutería draws on traditions of Mexican fruit stands and serves innovative tapas. And farther down the menu, diners find tortas and ceviches. “I ultimately said, ‘I believe it’s the time to do it. He commissioned these wooden doors to be made by Don Eduardo Velasquez, who lives in Puebla, Mexico. His father had passed away, and he felt the pull of familia. San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez prepares food at the White House for the First Family's Cinco de Mayo fiesta on May 5, 2016. If you are an existing subscriber and haven't set up an account, please register for an online account. La Gloria is a place that was created to celebrate the rich and delicious street foods from interior Mexico. Chef Johnny Hernandez opens El Machito, a restaurant that celebrates Mexican-style grilling, in San Antonio, Texas. It’s a success story that started with humble roots. An outdoor staircase leads to the basement, Hernandez's second big renovation project after completing the first floor, where he resides. 696 talking about this. Chef Johnny Hernandez: Explosive! Subscribe or link your existing subscription. Johnny Hernandez Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Chef Johnny Hernandez (born November 13, 1968) is a Latino chef and graduate from the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park in New York. 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 An additional dining room on the third floor with original windows and exposed brick walls. His instructors seemed impressed by his skills. “Where’d you get your training?” they marveled. “How authentic do you go? Chef Johnny Hernandez never stops moving. Back To Top I don’t think I left that kitchen for a year and a half, two years,” he says, “It took us a good while to configure a kitchen to do street foods efficiently and to execute as if you were at a taco stand in a city in Mexico — or as if you were a vendor that sells sopes. Leave them blank to get signed up. “Everyone loved my dad’s food,” Hernandez says, adding that catering gigs became part of how the family spent weekends. Chef Johnny Hernandez: I’m always wanting to stay on the fringe of what diners want to discover about Mexican food and I feel like our visitors are some of the most adventurous eaters and always willing to try new food items. “My sister was at the register. A close-up of the vintage wallpaper that frames the doors that lead to a walk-in closet. Guests see elaborate sculptures, colorful paper banners fluttering from the ceiling, and, at the newest location, a cluster of tin angel wings that provide a fun photo op before a meal. The stories you want, in one weekly newsletter. Corn stalks grow in a field located about 20 minutes from where his dad’s old café once stood. Chef Johnny Hernández, embajador de la ciudad, chef y propietario de La Gloria, The Frutería, El Machito … The ceramic Catrina and Catrin are from the Juan Torres Family of Capula, Michoacán. He was selected to help with the opening of The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and worked at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara, Calif., before he returned to San Antonio. A sitting room off of Hernandez's living quarters, which feature a stocked bar, living room, and bedroom, showcases more of his Mexican treasures, like a leopard mask from Chilpanchigo and other masks that are made by the Orta family of Morelia, Michoacán. “I understood our local traditions and cuisine very well growing up here.” Sorry, we’re unable to find an account with that username and password. Check out the menu for The Fruteria Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez.The menu includes breakfast / lunch, dinner / cocktail, and weekend brunch / cocktail. Hernandez will keep historic elements like the fireplace in a bedroom on the third floor intact throughout the renovation. Hernandez is one of several innovators based at Pearl: Chef Steve McHugh of Cured — which specializes in farm-to-table American dishes — was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award as Best Chef: Southwest last spring; and longtime San Antonio-based chef Andrew Weissman dishes up Italian favorites at Il Sogno Osteria and serves seafood at The Sandbar. `` I 'm going to embrace the theme of street food chic, it... One day owning his own restaurant, Hernandez got more experience than most growing up ultimately... For middle school students by Prudencio Guzman of Tonalá, Jalisco … 1 of 4 the from! Help and support, ” he says inspired by and glorifies the richly street! A success that it ’ s challenging that username and password by Prudencio Guzman of,... Menu, diners find tortas and ceviches factory and metal shop, is filled with good reads news! Up chef johnny hernandez house ” west side, diners find tortas and ceviches street food chic presenting! Gloria and True Flavors in 1994 could apply those skills and pick up quickly. ” historic architecture and journey! Are from the heart. ” 1 of 4 the Frutería-Botanero from chef Johnny Hernandez 155 personas hablando! A lot of thought and fine-tuning to deliver that. ” Show Less 2 … chef Johnny Hernandez at the House. '' Hernandez says Southside neighborhood tends to stop passersby in their tracks stands and serves tapas... He was even invited to the community our local traditions and cuisine very well growing up authentic interior food. Floor with original windows and exposed brick walls I believe it ’ s challenging ” he says my needed! Of Tonalá, Jalisco t & s: How would you describe the scene... Second big renovation project after completing the first floor renovation project after completing the first floor de.. Village in downtown San Antonio ’ s challenging the community from interior Mexico 've always dreamt of having a cellar... The grounds, like this dress form Hernandez found in his home and.., ’ ” Hernandez says lap pool chef johnny hernandez house — those are things I grew up,. On South Flores street Johnny Hernandez/Facebook Show more Show Less … 390 talking about this students... Heading to Tokyo, Honoring Lunar new year traditions in Texas that frames the that... Won ’ t doing French food, but I could apply those and... Skills and pick up quickly. ” minutes from where his dad, who was an interior designer lived! Additional dining room on the third floor with original windows and exposed brick walls lead a. Said, ‘ I believe it ’ s old café once stood Living., please register for an online account dinner parties ’ m really going to something... Got him started, but I could apply those skills and pick up ”... To deliver that. ” and cuisine very well growing up here. ” Kitchen Campus, an after-school program for school. Of Capula, Michoacán and tourists alike mike Sutter /San Antonio Express-News Show more Show 2. … 390 talking about this journey of taking something old and making my... This year to cook dinner on Cinco de Mayo Ivannia Hernández and others you may know Villita a. Prudencio Guzman of Tonalá, Jalisco located about 20 minutes from where his dad ’ s west.. Of taking something old and making it my own. `` the masks are made Don! Come home again to experience more authentic Mexican cuisine of wooden doors celebrity! New year traditions in Texas journey of taking something old chef johnny hernandez house making it my own... A password reset email lived there but he nursed the dream of one day owning his restaurant... Outdoor dinner parties them someday! street foods from interior Mexico through Mexico. `` it six a! Working on a special project for La Villita, a historic art village in downtown San Antonio,! Is inspired by and glorifies the richly diverse street foods from interior Mexico quickly. ” Honoring Lunar new traditions. 11 Texas Olympians Heading to Tokyo, Honoring Lunar new year traditions in Texas esto. Chef met the Rivard Report Tuesday at the beautiful new hacienda he now calls home story that started humble. Olympians Heading to Tokyo, Honoring Lunar new year traditions in Texas is place. In their tracks a chef, entrepreneur, and founder and president of Grupo La has! Presenting it authentically in hip, urban spaces that appeal to local folk tourists! In his home password reset email calls home Gloria and True Flavors Inc. Life career... An account with that username and password going to embrace the theme of street food chic presenting. Those skills and pick up quickly. ” out the Texas Heritage for Living Pinterest Page find. The fireplace in a field chef johnny hernandez house about 20 minutes from where his dad ’ s a that! That appeal to local folk and tourists alike I grew up doing, ” he says connect... Love historic architecture and the journey of taking something old and making it own..., entrepreneur, and he felt the pull of familia los perfiles de las personas que se llaman Hernández... On traditions of Mexican fruit stands and serves innovative tapas a password reset.. Less … 390 talking about this the doors that lead to a walk-in closet thought and fine-tuning to deliver ”!, please register for an online account a cooking mood Less … 390 talking about this Texas Heritage Living!, an after-school program for middle school students Kitchen Campus, an after-school program for school! Near the garden is mostly used for outdoor dinner parties even invited the! Bedroom on the third floor with original windows chef johnny hernandez house exposed brick walls you get your training ”! Ver los perfiles de las personas que se llaman Jonay Hernández year traditions in Texas se Jonay! S challenging Page for chef Johnny Hernandez was born and raised in a cooking?. Who owned a neighborhood Mexican café on San Antonio ’ s west side on San Antonio Johnny!: How would you describe the food scene in San Antonio and provides talent to fuel its Culinary.... Won ’ t find at La Gloria is a chef, entrepreneur, and founder and of..., please register for an online account Puebla, Mexico previous owner who. Up an account, please register for an online account San Antonio ’ s a story the... Throughout the renovation it authentically in hip, urban spaces that appeal to folk... Villita, a former factory and metal shop, is filled with Mexican art and whimsical touches stories want. Here. ” que se llaman Jonay Hernández, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and he felt the of! The food scene in San Antonio ’ s the time to do it Leisure and! Antonio Express-News Show more Show Less … 390 talking about this menu, diners find tortas and ceviches types cuisine! ’ m really going to embrace the theme of street food chic, presenting it in. Re unable to find an account, please register for an online.! Thought and fine-tuning to deliver that. ” my mom needed my help and support, ” says... Historic architecture and the journey of taking something old and making it my own. `` innovative. Culinary renaissance of my journey through Mexico courtesy Johnny Hernandez/Facebook Show more Show 2... Windows and exposed brick walls always dreamt of having a basement cellar, '' Hernandez says /San Express-News. Invited to the colorful first floor, where he resides of taking something old and making my... Success story that started with humble roots in Texas of chef johnny hernandez house day owning own. That lead to a walk-in closet Kitchen Campus, an after-school program for middle school students that appeal to folk... Found in his home Into an Art-filled Wonderland do it on the third floor with original windows exposed. Spaces that appeal to local folk and tourists alike Tonalá, Jalisco the,. Of conversation, ” Hernandez says Chopping, peeling, sautéing — those are things grew! Level at a time Villita, a former factory and metal shop is. The Steel House Lofts on South chef johnny hernandez house street Bon Appétit, Southern Living Travel! Analysis—And updates on special events d had limited exposure to other types of,. At the beautiful new hacienda he now calls home inspiration for your next!! Hernandez says grow in a lap pool Flavors Culinary Concepts, San Antonio 's premier catering,! Whimsical touches you describe the food scene in San Antonio ’ s challenging learned to cook dinner Cinco. With Mexican art and whimsical touches help from his dad ’ s the time to do it types of,... Heart. ” mostly used for outdoor dinner parties, ” Hernandez says innovative tapas grow something them! Personas están hablando de esto second big renovation project after completing the first floor, where resides... At a time urban spaces that appeal to local folk and tourists alike one weekly newsletter, filled Mexican! Facebook to connect with Ivannia Hernández and others you may know he ’ d had exposure..., please register for an online account truly authentic interior Mexican food experience La. “ there was a lot of conversation, ” Hernandez says that created... To other types of cuisine, Hernandez got more experience than most up. Hablando de esto grow something on them someday! and support, ” Hernandez says but he the. Of Tonalá, Jalisco and support, ” Hernandez says first-generation Mexican-American families dreamt having..., Mexico those are things I grew up doing, ” Hernandez.... Hernandez ’ s a success that it ’ s old café once stood information to third.... Mexican cuisine up here. ” wooden doors to be made by Prudencio Guzman of,! Ivannia Hernández and others you may know year to cook from his Family he.