There are events that you look forward to all year round, and for those of us who love to eat (and eat well), the Culinary Awards is definitely one of them. On April 10th, 2025, the countdown officially began for the 6th edition of this event, which has become the ultimate recognition for the best of Los Cabos’ gastronomy.
The press conference was held at Santoro, a beautiful restaurant in the heart of San José del Cabo’s Centro Histórico, full of history, community and those nice neighbourhood vibes we love. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample a delicious selection of snacks that added a gourmet touch to the morning. There couldn’t have been a better setting to kick off the event.
Culinary Awards: More than an event, a tribute to those who make magic in the kitchen
The upcoming Culinary Awards 2025 were presented during the event, and there was no shortage of excitement. We were reminded that this project is not just a contest of who makes the prettiest dish or who has the most impressive view in their restaurant (which, of course, is essential); it is a sincere tribute to all the people who with talent, passion and effort are writing the culinary history of Los Cabos.
Between videos that explore the local gastronomic scene, it became clear to us that behind every restaurant, chef, spectacular dish, and gastronomic event are stories of hard work, love for cooking, and pride in being part of this destination.
To date, the Culinary Awards have awarded more than 120 statuettes to the best local talent. And it wouldn’t be possible without the community that supports it, such as companies, sponsors, and, of course, the diners who vote each year and the jury that issues its evaluations.
This year, the sponsors joining this adventure and making the magic, logistics and production possible are: Reserva de la Familia; The Main Event Cabo; Baja Wines; Lyncott; Saint Luke’s; US Foods de México; Innova Gourmet; DelMar, a Hatfield Company; Mercedes Benz; Yenekamu; Talleres de los Ballesteros; Porcelanosa; Yandi Monardo Art Gallery; Crowe; VIP.MX, Avantec, Land & Building, Bimbo, and this year, we welcome Proepta.
What’s next: Registering restaurants
Registration for public voting categories will open on 15 April 2025. Everything is done online via the official website:
https://culinary-awards.com/restaurantes/restaurant-owners/create
It is the perfect opportunity for more local restaurants to become part of this ever-growing food community.
A press conference full of special guests
The atmosphere at Santoro was terrific. The Organizing Committee welcomed chefs, restaurant representatives, media, and special guests. All gathered with the same goal: to celebrate Los Cabos’s gastronomic talent and continue building together a destination that is already a culinary reference at the national and international levels.
Special thanks to Crania and JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa for hosting the event and contributing to its success last year.
Representatives of other important associations in the tourism and business sector in Baja California Sur were also present, such as Imelda Montaño, President of AMEXME; Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca, President of the Association of Food and Beverage Leaders; and Jazmín Almada, President of AFEET BCS.
Their presence confirms that the Culinary Awards is a collective effort where everyone adds up. The presentation of the members of the Presidium, who accompanied the start of the 6th edition, could not be missing:
Lic. Fernando Ojeda Aguilar, State Undersecretary of Tourism; Elizabeth Aceves, Director of BCS Meeting Tourism; Rodrigo Esponda, Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Trust; Oscar Morando, President of CANIRAC Los Cabos; Armando García, President of the Los Cabos Hotel Association; Víctor Montaño Gaytán, Director of Public Relations of the Los Cabos City Hall; Aníbal Amador, representing Ana Gabriela Navarro, Director of Municipal Tourism of the XV (Fifteenth) Los Cabos City Hall; Lic. Abril Urueta Martínez, General Director of Economic Development, XV (Fifteenth) Los Cabos City Hall; Jesús Corral, President of the Jury; and Sergio Iván Bautista, Crowe Audit.
And, of course, the hosts: Linda McHatton, CEO of PR Solutions, and Claudia del Pino, CEO of Tendencia, who laid the foundations for these awards since their inception.
“This is an event for you. Thanks to all the restaurants because they have put us on the map; they are looking at us more and more every day. And thanks to the pioneers in gastronomy here in Los Cabos, to the great chefs who have also bet on Los Cabos, integrating themselves to the talent that already exists here in Los Cabos”, said Linda McHatton when taking the floor.
Claudia del Pino said, “All of us who come from abroad to live in Baja California Sur are privileged. This land inspires us and is fertile for any project made with honesty and creativity, something that distinguishes Mexicans. Everything happens here, in Los Cabos, for Los Cabos, but also in Todos Santos, El Pescadero, El Triunfo, and, soon, Loreto. There are plans and much work in progress. And of course, we can’t forget La Paz.
Rodrigo Esponda said, “The Culinary Awards were the first significant effort to position Los Cabos as a gastronomic destination. I remember when Linda and Claudia first approached us to share this idea of recognizing and celebrating the best of our local cuisine. From there, they created an event and a gastronomic guide that, for eight years, has allowed us to work together to highlight the culinary offerings of each restaurant and region. This initiative is growing today, integrating Todos Santos, El Pescadero and El Triunfo. I am confident that Culinary Awards will continue consolidating Los Cabos through its flavours.
It’s a fact: Culinary Awards 2025 is coming with a bang. More than an awards show, it’s a celebration of gastronomy and community and a reminder that Los Cabos is much more than a sun and sand destination. Here, people cook with their hearts.
I look forward to seeing you in the next stages—and hopefully at a table sharing a good meal—because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day: enjoying, recognizing, and celebrating what unites us.
