Nicosi

At Nicosi in San Antonio, TX, the concept of dining is reimagined as a deeply personal and immersive experience. Here, you don’t just enjoy a meal—you connect with the artistry, intention, and story behind every dish.

I recently had the honor of sitting down with Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph (@tavel19), the creative force behind Nicosi. A native of Guyana, Chef Tavel is a James Beard-nominated chef and one of the co-founders of the acclaimed Austin-based restaurant group, Emmer & Rye. Known for his unparalleled passion for desserts, Chef Tavel has been celebrated for pushing boundaries and crafting innovative yet soulful culinary experiences.

In 2024, Chef Tavel added another accolade to his impressive list of achievements: he was named Esquire’s Pastry Chef of the Year. This recognition is a testament to his creativity, vision, and ability to reimagine what dessert can be. At Nicosi, his most personal project to date, Chef Tavel brings all of this expertise and heart into an 8-course dessert experience that invites guests to pause, connect, and be present.

What Makes Nicosi Special?

Nicosi is far from your typical dessert bar. With its signature show-and-tell seating, guests sit face-to-face with the chefs, fostering genuine one-on-one dialogue throughout the dining experience. The 8-course pre-set menu is thoughtfully curated, balancing bold flavors, delicate textures, and artistic presentations. Each dish is a story, and every interaction feels like part of a performance—an invitation to be fully present and savor every moment.

The environment is intimate and intentional, designed to create a sense of community between the chefs and their guests. By the time the evening ends, you walk away not just satisfied but inspired, carrying the memory of something truly unique.

The Team Behind the Project

Capturing the essence of Nicosi and its philosophy was a rewarding challenge. This project brought together a talented team to translate the experience into a visual story:

• 🎥 Director: Grant Parsons (@filmbygrant)

• 📽️ Director of Photography: Samuel J. Rowland

• 🎥 Camera Operator: Wilson Waggoner

• 📸 Production Assistant & BTS Photographer: @blaykemeacake

• 🎞️ Editor & Colorist: Hang Nguyen (@hang_jj_nguyen)

Through this collaboration, we aimed to spotlight not just the food but also the energy, vision, and passion that make Nicosi a standout in the culinary world.

A Final Reflection

Working on this project was a reminder of how transformative food can be when paired with intentionality and connection. Chef Tavel and the team at Nicosi are doing something extraordinary—inviting guests to step away from the distractions of daily life and embrace the present moment.

Stay tuned for more insights from this project and behind-the-scenes stories. If you’re ever in San Antonio, make Nicosi a priority—it’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the last course.