News Summary
At the All Things Food summit during SXSW, Chef Iliana De La Vega and prominent local chefs discussed sustainability, food waste, and access to healthy foods. Hosted by Food Tank, the event served as a platform for culinary professionals and enthusiasts to explore pressing food-related challenges. Key discussions included the intersection of food and politics, with chefs sharing their insights and upcoming plans for improving culinary practices and community engagement.
Austin, Texas – Chef Iliana De La Vega and Local Culinary Stars Share Insights at SXSW’s All Things Food Summit
What Happened
Chef Iliana De La Vega was a panelist at the All Things Food summit, a significant event within the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The summit was hosted at Barr Mansion in Northeast Austin from March 13 to 14, organized by Food Tank, a nonprofit dedicated to research and advocacy concerning food systems. The summit served as a platform to address critical food-related topics, including access to healthy foods, food safety, and food waste, featuring a range of accomplished local chefs.
Key Themes Discussed
One of the most notable panels, titled “Celebrating Chefs,” included renowned local chefs such as Chef Oliva Hernandez, Chef Dave White, and Chef Jay Huang, alongside Chef Iliana De La Vega. The panel was overseen by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, CEO of We Don’t Have Time North America. During the 25-minute discussion, the chefs explored their personal journeys and insights on sustainability within the culinary world.
Chef Huang shared his evolving perspective on sustainability, focusing on the equity of workers involved in fishing and farming. Chef De La Vega discussed the importance of resourcefulness in food preparation, encouraging attendees to minimize food waste. Chef White emphasized the role of education in fostering food sustainability. Chef Hernandez pointed out the need for transparency regarding the ingredients’ sustainability.
The panel also navigated the intersection of food and politics, with varying opinions emerging. Chef De La Vega advocated for open political discussions at the dinner table, while Chef White preferred to keep politics separate from food discourse.
Who Is Affected
The summit attracted culinary professionals, food enthusiasts, and the general public, all eager to engage with the chefs and expand their understanding of the food system. Local food vendors and experts were present, offering networking opportunities to attendees. The information shared at the summit is particularly relevant for those interested in food policy, sustainability, and the culinary arts, as it addressed some of the most pressing challenges within the industry.
Official Response
The organizers of the event, along with the participating chefs, emphasized the need for ongoing discussions about food-related issues. They underscored the importance of collaboration among chefs, policymakers, and community members to foster a more sustainable food system. The enthusiastic turnout at the summit showcased the community’s interest in these topics.
Impact
The insights shared during the summit not only facilitated a dialogue about sustainability among industry professionals but also offered practical advice for reducing food waste and promoting resourcefulness in cooking. The chefs’ commitment to bettering their community through food sustainability is set to inspire attendees and participants alike. The discussions are expected to have lasting implications for how local restaurants and food businesses approach their operations in the future.
What’s Next
As the summit wrapped up on March 14, the chefs revealed their upcoming plans. Chef Huang expressed enthusiasm for challenging his team to improve culinary practices. Chef Hernandez plans to open a new coffee shop later this year, while Chef De La Vega has scheduled culinary trips to Mexico and two other countries. Chef White hinted at a new Food Network show and an ambitious dinner party on Mount Everest aimed at raising awareness for mental health.
The summit not only provided enriching content but also featured complimentary food, drinks, and live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere. Although the event reached full capacity for in-person tickets, a livestream option was available, and recorded sessions can be accessed on YouTube for those who could not attend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin: All Things Food, Chefs & Sustainability
- Wikipedia: Sustainability
- Food Tank: Bringing Food to the Forefront at SXSW
- Google Search: Food Sustainability
- Eater Austin: SXSW Free Food
- Google Scholar: Food Policy
- Forbes: Must-Attend Food Events at SXSW 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin, Texas
- CultureMap Austin: Weekend Events March 13, 2025
- Google News: SXSW 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
