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Chef Johnny

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Chef Johnny Hernandez’ passion for Latin food began at the early age of five in his father’s restaurant and in his Westside San Antonio neighborhood. Raised in a community of first-generation Mexican American families, Chef Hernandez was constantly surrounded by the foods and traditions that made their way across the border. Some of his earliest memories include the aroma of freshly made tortillas from the next-door molino, meals of savory barbacoa, and handmade tamales.

Encouraged by his father to become a chef, Johnny was determined to receive the best culinary education possible and so attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America 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 Hernandez 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, with True Flavors earning national recognition for catering excellence. As success continued, Chef Hernandez expanded his endeavors, starting the popular MesAlegre Chef’s Table at the Pearl Farmers Market--a hot-ticket among food and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

Throughout his career, Chef Hernandez continues to sharpen a distinctive culinary style that pays homage to his early influences, yet reflects the diversity of his travels. By far the most profound influence on Chef Hernandez’ culinary style and artistic sensibility is his extensive travel throughout Mexico. His time spent in Mexico has inspired him to explore 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. That vision continues to be realized with his latest venture, La Gloria Ice House situated on the grounds of the Historic Pearl Brewery.

La Gloria’s menu reflects culinary treasures Chef Hernandez has found in the pueblitos, mountains and coastal villages of Mexico-- from the savory carnitas of Michoacan and the succulent tortas ahogadas of Guadalajara, to the complex and refined tequilas born from Jalisco’s blue agave fields. La Gloria is a truly authentic interior Mexican food experience, with meticulous authenticity that goes beyond the menu to the furnishings and décor.

The authentic and unique dining experience created at La Gloria is extended in Chef Hernandez’ next venture, Casa Hernán. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s South Town art district, Casa Hernán will serve as a special events space, showcasing his latest culinary creations and artistic finds in a more intimate setting.

As his success and recognition continue to grow, Chef Hernandez maintains his commitment to the local community that inspired him to pursue a culinary career. He bases his thriving catering business in the same Westside neighborhood where he was raised, mentors young Hispanic aspiring chefs and gives back through extensive involvement in numerous community, non-profit and professional organizations.

Chef Johnny Hernandez Memberships and Accomplishments

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