The Soul of Fonda San Miguel: Fifty Years of Food and Art

The Soul of Fonda San Miguel: Fifty Years of Food and Art

The story of the iconic Fonda San Miguel from owner Tom Gilliland. Celebrate 50 years of Austin institution Fonda San Miguel with The Soul of Fonda San Miguel . Owner Tom Gilliland tells the story of this iconic restaurant from its start in 1975 through the decades, highlighting its dedication to the traditional regional foods of the cuisine, passion for both contemporary Mexican art and classic artisan crafts, and its influence on restaurants on both sides of the border. Discover Fonda San Miguel as it is today through photographs of their gallery of Mexican art, 100 recipes, both classic and new—including favorites like Fonda’s famous chile relleno and chipotle shrimp, a robust selection of vegan dishes, and soon-to-be classics from their upcoming breakfast and lunch restaurant, Tzintzuntzan. ¡Felicidades, Fonda San Miguel! Here’s to 50 more! This is not just a cookbook — although it does contain 100 recipes. It also tells the story of the classic Austin restaurant, shows off some of its art, and traces its influence. ― CultureMap Austin Published On: 2025-10-16 Whether you’re a home cook, a collector of culinary art, or a longtime fan of the restaurant, this book is a must-have. ― KXAN Studio 512 Published On: 2025-10-23 With [this book], Gilliland invites readers into the world he has helped cultivate since co-founding the restaurant in 1975 with the late Miguel Ravago. Part memoir, part cookbook and part art collection, the volume beautifully captures the restaurant’s dual legacy of culinary excellence and visual artistry…Whether used in the kitchen or displayed on a coffee table, The Soul of Fonda San Miguel stands as both a tribute to Mexican culinary tradition and a reflection of Gilliland’s lifelong belief that the best meals feed not only the body, but the spirit. ― Tribeza Published On: 2025-10-27 The cookbook deliciously reflects the restaurant’s unparalleled essence....Between the linen covers are cherished recipes, as well as tantalizing photos and heartfelt stories behind the restaurant’s legacy.  ― ModernLuxury Austin Published On: 2025-11-12 This book blends vibrant Mexican artistry with the story of one of Austin’s most legendary restaurants. Its saturated colors and Oaxacan inspirations make it a striking décor piece. ― 365 Things Austin Published On: 2025-11-20 An exquisite cookbook and record of Austin's classic interior Mexican restaurant. ― Austin American-Statesman Published On: 2025-12-01 Tom Gilliland is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and the Law School of the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied law at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico in Mexico City. Tom is the founder and owner of Fonda San Miguel and a generous supporter of many Austin organizations. Previous titles include Fonda San Miguel, Thirty Years of Food and Art and Fonda San Miguel, Forty Years of Food and Art .