Angelina Cuchillo Bridges

Treasured wife, daughter, sister, and friend Angelina Cuchillo Bridges (née Valdez), went to be with the Lord on September 25, 2024. Angie was born January 19, 1969 at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to Carmen Cuchillo Valdez from Spain and Antonio G. Valdez Jr., a fourth generation Texan.

Angie spent her younger years with her family in Seabrook, Texas attending Clear Lake High School. She completed a cosmetology license in 1988. On a serendipitous encounter in 1992 she met Jeffery Kent Bridges while playing darts. They married on March 11, 1995 in Houston and moved to San Antonio in 1996. Together they ventured into the beverage industry opening Wines, Etc. in Stone Oak in 1998. Their success and community following propelled them to establish Copa Wine Bar in April 2005. Angie’s passion for creating memorable dishes played a key role in Copa's success, earning the business numerous accolades, including being named Best Wine Bar & Best Wine List five years in a row by both the San Antonio Current and Express-News, as well as receiving the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

In 2000, Taste of the Northside was launched by the tireless work of Angie and Jeff with the purpose of showcasing northside businesses and benefitting the Brighton Center which assists children with disabilities. The inaugural event raised over $6,000 and today generates over $100,000 annually for the Brighton Center. Growing exponentially, in 2003 Taste of the Northside became an official Fiesta event with the crowning of the 1st “Queen of the Vine”: Angie Bridges.

Angie possessed an endless zeal for culinary delights. Food was not just about the taste experience, but included the history, culture and authentic cooking techniques of the people of its origin. Her Spanish heritage propelled her to be a winner of the 2015 San Antonio Paella competition and her drive for innovation introduced the San Antonio community to the world of Poke when she launched Poke Planet in the medical center in 2018. Many people came to know Angie through culinary features on local television shows and publications.

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion” she would often say from her favorite movie, Steel Magnolias. This quote embodies Angie’s hallmark traits: humor and empathy. Angie will live on in the hearts of her vast number of people who considered her a best friend and advocate. Her immense heart for helping those in need, human or otherwise, was truly the essence of her legacy.

Angie was preceded in death by her father Antonio Valdez, and her brother Tony Valdez, her sister-in-law LeAnn Valdez and cherished friend Rowan Wyndam. She is survived by her husband of 29 years Jeff Bridges, mother Carmen Valdez, brother Richard Valdez and beloved dog Sophie.

Funeral and Celebration of Life: 3 PM, Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Tripoint: 3233 N. St. Mary’s St. #102, San Antonio, TX 78212. Service will be available on livestream (Text 210-414-6200 for livestream link) . In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Angie’s memory at the Animal Defense League. www.adltexas.org