In Austin, celebrity sightings are so common that it’s almost a mini Los Angeles. But increasingly, in-the-know stars like Cristela Alonzo, David Chang, and, uhm, Ernie Hudson, are making the trek down I-35 to check out what San Antonio’s dining scene has to offer.
Chang, the restaurateur behind Momofuku and host of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious, was reportedly in town filming a new travel and food series for CNN. The featured guest was Texas-born sitcom pioneer Cristela Alonzo.
The pair was first spotted downtown during the weekend, where they stopped to pose with La Panadería owners José and David Cáceres and try the cafe’s famous conchas. Next, the crew made a jaunt to Beacon Hill to visit Blanco Cafe.
José and David Cáceres pose with La Panadería’s José and David Cáceres.La Pandería/ Instagram
“We want to thank Chef David Chang and Cristela Alonzo for visiting us this past weekend! We hope you enjoyed your Blanco Enchiladas,” wrote the business on Instagram.
CNN has not officially announced any new project with the world-renowned chef, but social media has been abuzz with various sightings. The series seems to be similar in format to Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, with Chang and a special guest visiting new cities each week.
While Chang and Alonzo didn’t give San Antonians much time to get out their autograph books, Hudson’s appearances are preplanned. The original Ghostbuster will be in town, lending a hand to animal care nonprofit Puppy Food Bank.
The actor will make four San Antonio stops during his visit. On March 21, Hudson will visit the Leon Springs Rudy’s BBQ at 24152 I-10 from 11 am-1 pm and Pet Supplies Plus at 22103 Bulverde Rd. from 3-5 pm.
March 22 will bring a meet-and-greet to Rudy’s at 10623 Westover Hills Blvd. between 11 am-1 pm before he heads to New Braunfels for a visit to Pet Supplies Plus at 2736 Loop 337 from 3-5 pm. Both of the pet store appearances will include adoption events.
Ernie Hudson will make several stops during his San Antonio tour. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for ReedPop
“Stop by to meet Ernie, adopt a new furry family member, enjoy some delicious BBQ, and make a donation to help us support shelter pets who need it most,” wrote Puppy Food Bank in its announcement post.
Hudson seems to be a fan of San Antonio’s barbecue chains. In early 2025, he rubbed elbows with fans at Bill Miller locations in Selma and Leon Springs.
What a-lister will next pop up in the Alamo City is anyone’s guess. But with South by Southwest ending Wednesday, March 18, in Austin, surely another celeb will appear on San Antonio’s social media feeds.