Lea Thompson
Jenn White of Eastside Kitchenette serves up bacon mac and cheese at the Women Shaking It Up event.
The Women Shaking It Up event showcased music by DJ Soulstairs while the crowds tried dishes from local chefs and women-run restaurants including hamachi jicama from chef Heather Nañez of Bohanan’s and Italian sushi (wrapped in prosciutto) by chef Lisa Astorga-Watel of Bite Restaurant.
“We’re being noticed not just for being present, but because we create,” chef Astorga-Watel said.
Attendees were also invited to create their own works of art to take home, design and eat chocolates from Chocolazzo and enjoy cocktails from brands like Chandon, Gentleman Jack by Jack Daniels and MacAllan whisky.
“Just focusing on [events like this] gives people a chance to venture outside the box and visit restaurants they wouldn’t usually visit — whether it’s an issue of price point, or a certain area of town, this helps get the word out,” said Jenn White, owner of Brindle’s Ice Cream, who recently opened Eastside Kitchenette with her husband, chef Jeff White.
Local leaders and national events have helped to change attitudes in recent years, but White has seen a recent cultural shift in the attitude toward women in the industry.
“Since we opened Eastside Kitchenette, I’ve had a lot of people say ‘Oh, I know you — your husband owns the Boiler House,’ or I worked with him at this event.’” White said. “Together, we’re becoming more vocal, more visible. I enjoy working front of house, and he likes back of house."
The San Antonio Cocktail Conference will host seminars, parties and pop-up events until Sunday, January 20. Visit sanantoniococktailconference.com to reserve event tickets.
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