Cured, Chef Steve McHugh’s restaurant in San Antonio, is a beautiful pale brick building sitting at the edge of bright green manicured lawn in the Pearl Brewery complex. Even at three on a recent afternoon when i chatted with the chef, it was hopping. That’s because it’s one of those places where you can linger for hours. The space feels good, the food is approachable and delectable, the bar is bright, and it’s a place to meet, a place to see and be seen. It basically has a killer vibe and Chef Steve McHugh is a big part of that! He has a clear vision of growing roots in a community, the roles chefs play, and how it’s important to have cheese curds somewhere on the menu at all times. The Wisconsin native has made San Antonio his home, and now he’s a finalist for the city’s first possible James Beard Best Chef: Southwest award.