2019 StarChefs Houston Rising Stars Awards
StarChefs returns to Houston to celebrate the city’s most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals.
The 2019 Houston Rising Stars Awards will be the 67th class of Award winners and the second class from Houston.
The Rising Stars Award winners are designated by the StarChefs editorial team based on in-person tastings and interviews. In each market, the editorial team tastes and interviews with more than 100 chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and artisans, ultimately selecting a group of 18 to 25 professionals who best represent the future of American dining. Although Rising Stars Awards are given out locally, award winners are evaluated according to a set of national standards. Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy, and, most important, delicious food, drinks, and/or pairings win the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star.
For more information, visit the 2019 Houston Rising Stars Awards event page.
2019 STARCHEFS Houston RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
CHEFS
Natasha Douglas of Better Luck Tomorrow and Penny Quarter
Drake Leonards of Eunice
Bobby Matos of State of Grace and La Lucha
Kaitlin Steets of Theodore Rex
Nick Wong of UB Preserv
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Jonny Rhodes of Indigo
RESTAURATEURS
Presented by Singer M.Tucker
David Keck of Goodnight Hospitality
COMMUNITY
Presented by Compass Group
Patrick Feges and Erin Smith of Feges BBQ
CONCEPT
Presented by Kikkoman USA
Jasmine Chida of Sweet Cup Gelato & Sorbet Originale
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by KitchenAid Commercial
Meredith Larke
Uchi Houston
BAKER
Presented by Butter of Europe
Matthieu Cabon of Magnol French Baking
ROASTERS
Benji Aguilar and Kaitlin O'Brien of Xela Coffee Roasters
BARTENDERS
Westin Galleymore of Underbelly Hospitality
Tommy Ho of Anvil Bar & Refuge and Penny Quarter
SOMMELIERS
Presented by Wines from Spain
Andres Blanco of Caracol
Lindsay Thomas of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Chris Shepherd of Underbelly Hospitality
HOUSTON RISING STARS PARTNERS
Steelite International, Symrise, Foods and Wines from Spain, Vitamix Commercial, Niman Ranch, Compass Group, S.Pellegrino, KitchenAid Commercial, Kikkoman, Singer M.Tucker, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Butter of Europe, True Aussie Lamb, St. Supéry, Fresh Origins, Polyscience, Lone Mountain Wagyu, Rational, Barfly by Mercer, Verlasso, TCHO Chocolate, Duke’s Mayonnaise, Bridor, Buffalo Trace, Green Sapling