Nicola Blaque
Chef and Owner of The Jerk Shack
Nicola Blaque is the chef and owner behind The Jerk Shack, San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant. A Jamaican immigrant and U.S. Army veteran, Blaque entered the culinary world after multiple deployments and attendance at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio. Her commitment to authenticity has earned rapid acclaim, including media features and numerous awards, while her leadership has helped foster greater diversity and collaboration in the local restaurant community. Blaque’s story reflects resilience, cultural pride, and a deep dedication to shaping San Antonio’s evolving food scene.
Dec. 12, 2025
150. The Rise of Jamaican Food in San Antonio (ft. The Jerk Shack)
This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Chef Nicola Blaque, the force behind San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack. Chef Nicola shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, navigating life in New England, and serving in the Army through three tours, to eventually reclaiming and expressing her Jamaican heritage through food in San Antonio. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola in the restaurant to discuss how her identity, family, and military exp...
Guest: Nicola Blaque