food

After Months of Hype, Houston's 'Top Chef' Season Hits Tonight, Highlighting Local Sites and Stars

After Months of Hype, Houston's 'Top Chef' Season Hits Tonight, Highlighting Local Sites and Stars

Houston chef and restaurateur Kiran Verma makes a cameo on the new Houston-set season of 'Top Chef,' premiering to tonight. (photo from @TopChef on Facebook)

HOUSTON'S MOST CELEBRATED chefs and the foodie community will gather at Saint Arnold Beer Garden & Restaurant tonight to celebrate the premiere of Bravo's Top Chef, which was filmed this season in Houston.

Hosted by Houston First Corporation — the official destination management organization for the city — the watch event will be open to the public. Expect special DJ performances by Robin Wong of Blood Bros. BBQ, guest appearances by local celebrity chefs, artwork by local Houston artist David Maldonado, who created the show’s Houston logo this season, and the chance to watch the Top Chef season premiere on the big screen as 15 new “cheftestants” battle it out.

Houstonians will be proud to see our local chefs onscreen including contestant and native Houstonian chef Evelyn Garcia. Garcia is the co-owner and chef behind the former Kin HTX in Rice Village’s food hall Politian Row. In addition to the head judge and hosts, Top Chef alumni locals Dawn Burrell and Tiffany Derry will be a part of the judging. A number of local chefs make appearances during the season as well, including Aaron Bludorn, Kiran Verma, Christine Ha, Robert Del Grande, Chris Shepherd, Irma Galvan and others.

A contestant at work on 'Top Chef' in Houston (photo from @BravoTopChef on Instagram)

Contestants wrestling alligator on the new season of 'Top Chef,' beginning tonight on Bravo (photo from @TopChef on Facebook)

'Top Chef,' whose new season is set in Houston, gets steamy. (photo from @BravoTopChef on Instagram)

“Houston's culinary scene is vibrant, innovative and a direct reflection of its residents and the wonderful blend of culture and nationalities that make up our global tapestry,” said Houston First Corporation CEO Michael Heckman, in a statement. “We are honored Top Chef has chosen Houston as the destination for this competition and excited to see how the series showcases the city throughout the season.” Eagle-eyed locals can expect to see landmarks such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science, POST Houston and NASA.

Top Chef is an Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning culinary competition where talented chefs compete against one another in culinary challenges and are judged by a panel of esteemed experts. Now in its 19th season, host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio, and judge Gail Simmons will crown the next Top Chef winner. Contestants have the chance to win $250,000 from San Pellegrino, a feature in Food & Wine Magazine, and an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
People + Places
promoted

Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Al Torres

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less