Potluck Hospitality recently celebrated Chef Nicola Blaque’s semifinalist status for the James Beard Awards “Best Chef: Texas” category at the Food Hall at Bottling Department.

Nicola — recognized by Eater for having the Best Fried Chicken in America in 2022, among other accolades — is San Antonio’s first Black woman and Caribbean-American to be nominated in the category

Chef Nicola owns Mi Roti at Pearl and The Jerk Shack. | Photo by SATXtoday team

In addition to a spoken poem by Poet Laureate Andrea "Vocab'' Sanderson, music by DJ Donnie Dee, and light bites from Mi Roti and Jerk Shack, Nicola shared a few remarks with those in attendance.

"To women that are working in this industry, [this nomination] says a lot. It says that your voice is being heard. Don't give up. Keep fighting. And keep pushing the limits."

At the end her remarks, Chef Nicola also teased a new concept that could soon be coming to downtown.

"Stay tuned. We're working on Hemisfair, so be on the lookout."