2019 STARCHEFS HOUSTON RISING STARS AWARDS
Houston is ready for lift off. It’s been eight years since we first wrapped our arms around the sprawling metropolis, and we found America’s fourth largest city crackling with kinetic energy. Houstonians love their city, their neighborhoods, and their individual communities. It’s a distinctively altruistic town. Especially in the years following Hurricane Harvey, restaurant professionals banded together in order to rebuild what was lost. Every single one of our Rising Stars is actively involved in social causes, whether that be Jonny Rhodes spreading awareness and combatting Lindale Park’s food dessert, Erin Smith fighting for women’s rights and health by forming I’ll Have What She’s Having, or the many chefs who participate in Southern Smoke. Let’s meet the 18 Rising Stars that are bringing spirit, energy, and innovation to the city of Houston.
Tasting Gala & Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, December 10 | Block 41
$85 General Admission
$125 VIP Admission
Tickets are no longer available for this event.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 18 professionals are recognized not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Houston community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit the Rising Stars Awards Program page.
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CHEF
Natasha Douglas
Better Luck Tomorrow and Penny Quarter -
CHEF
Drake Leonards
Eunice -
CHEF
Bobby Matos
State of Grace and La Lucha -
CHEF
Kaitlin Steets
Theodore Rex -
CHEF
Nick Wong
UB Preserv -
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Jonny Rhodes
Indigo -
COMMUNITY
Presented by Compass Group
Patrick Feges and Erin Smith
Feges BBQ -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by KitchenAid Commercial
Meredith Larke
Uchi -
RESTAURATEUR
Presented by Singer M.Tucker
David Keck
Goodnight Hospitality -
CONCEPT
Presented by Kikkoman USA
Jasmine Chida
Sweet Cup Gelato & Sorbet Originale -
BAKER
Presented by Butter of Europe
Matthieu Cabon
Magnol French Baking -
ROASTER
Benji Aguilar and Kaitlin O'Brien
Xela Coffee Roasters -
BARTENDER
Westin Galleymore
Underbelly Hospitality -
BARTENDER
Tommy Ho
Anvil Bar & Refuge and Penny Quarter -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Andres Blanco
Caracol -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Lindsay Thomas
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
RISING STARS TASTING GALA
We're returning to Seattle in partnership with I'll Have What She's Having to celebrate the city's most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals. At our 67th Rising Stars Tasting Gala, eat and drink your way through Houston’s top restaurants and bars, in one location, for one night only: 20 dishes, 20 wine pairings and 2 signature cocktails.
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ANVIL BAR & REFUGE
Minch's Lure: Scotch, Sherry, Poire Eau de Vie, Almond
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BETTER LUCK TOMORROW
Green Shakshuka, Tomato, Greens, Chiles, Sunchoke, Yogurt, Egg
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EUNICE
Crawfish Étouffée, Green Rice, Ramps
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FEGES BBQ
Niman Ranch Barbecue Pork Ribs with Mexican Street Corn
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INDIGO
Slum Village: Ash-Aged Potato, Okra, Créme, Shallots, Thyme
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LA LUCHA
Fried Oyster Loaf, Texas Toast, Duke's Mayonnaise, Pickles
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ROSIE CANNONBALL
Blackened Verlasso Salmon Tostada, Avocado, Blue Corn
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STATE OF GRACE
Ginger-Gochujang Glazed Lone Mountain Wagyu Beef Rib with Malaysian Roti
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SWEETCUP GELATO
Pomegranate and Rose Sorbet
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THEODORE REX
Smoked Aussie Lamb Tartare, Celtuce, Cured Egg Yolk
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UB PRESERV
Salt and Pepper Squid, Basil, Garlic, Nam Jim, Chile
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UCHI
Foie Gras Candy Bar
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UNDERBELLY
Formerly Known As: Tequila, Marigold, Cocchi, Maurin Quina, Gran Classico
