Jenny Block
At The Post Oak Hotel, Houston’s Top Chefs Served Up Artistry On A Plate And Proved Once Again Why The City’s Culinary Scene Is Among The Nation’s Most Dynamic
Photography courtesy of Danny Villarreal and the author
If I were in charge, every meal would be a bite from all the best chefs. So, it should come as no surprise that I am a major food festival fan, and I love the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, a “national tasting event celebrating the chefs and restaurants making a difference in both the culinary industry and communities across the country.” Our Houston cuisine lover, Jenny Block, shares an insider’s look at the event.
Thankfully, the event recently came to Houston, spoiling us with some of the city’s most delicious tastes and sips.
Co-hosted by Houston First, the walk-around tasting took place at the stunning Post Oak Hotel with a variety of stations that showcased each chef’s signature style and highlighted the uniqueness of their restaurant and community.
The food stations, which filled the ballroom, featured some of the best chefs and restaurants in Houston, all available for tasting. The dishes they served were exciting, inventive, and, not surprisingly, wildly delicious.
Here’s a look at the cuisine that was presented:
Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk: African Palm Butter Chicken and Prawns with Liberian Greens and Plantain-Potato Mash
Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó: Tuna Tiradito with Leche de Tigre and Masa Cracker
Victoria Elizondo of Cochinita & Co: Flan de Maracuyá y Coco, Coconut-Vanilla Bean Flan with Passion Fruit Coulis, Caramelized Pineapple, and Salted Coconut
Tristen Epps-Long of Buboy: Baobab Ice Cream with Peach–Fig Jam, Fig Leaf Oil, and Toasted Almond Salt
Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JŪN: Pork Meatball with Peanut Curry, Pickles, and Cilantro
Suu Khin of Burmalicious – Laphet Htamin: Fermented Tea Leaf Rice Salad with Caramelized Pork Belly and Peanut-Sesame Crunch
Vanarin Kuch of Koffeteria: Pad Thai–Oatmeal Fluffernutter
Flo Polanco of Flor Y Miel: Pargo en Salsa de Coco, Seared Red Snapper with Cilantro, Peppers, Garlic, and Golden Tostón in Coconut Milk Sauce
Felipe Riccio of MARCH: Lamb Kibbeh Nayeh with Tabbouleh
David Skinner of Ishtia | Itek Tuchina Three Sisters: Salmon with Squash, Corn, and Beans
Michelle Wallace of b’tween sandwich co.: Smoked Japanese Wagyu Beef Rib Pastrami on Rye Biscuit
Balvenie/Glenfiddich; JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; Klipsun Winery; Mijenta Tequila; Rambler Sparkling Water; Surely Wines; and Tito’s Handmade Vodka offered beverages at stations throughout the space as well.
Bites and beverages from DR Delicacy, Houston First, and Klipsun Winery were also available but only for the exclusive Premier-only lounge. And, yes, there was fabulous caviar served on potato chips in the lounge, a favorite I look forward to every year.
I want to refuse to pick a favorite because each bite was so unique and, honestly, fantastic. But the brisket from Michelle Wallace of b’tween sandwich co. was out of this world. It was so good, in fact, that I threatened to keep coming back to the table as if I hadn’t been there yet. But Chef graciously said there was no need for such shenanigans. I was welcome to keep coming back for more.
The food was terrific. The beverages were delicious. But perhaps the best part of the evening was the sense of community this event always seems to create. I love talking to the chefs and other guests, and I enjoy watching them interact with one another.
There’s an air of joy and celebration surrounding this event. We are all coming together with one focus in mind; to celebrate the city and its culinary prowess.
I was grateful to have a suite at the Post Oak after having eaten myself silly and enjoyed a few cocktails as well. The suites and rooms at the Post Oak are beyond stunning and perfectly appointed which detail a savvy travel girl like myself… a soaking tub with a TV; an iron and board that comes out of the cabinet; décor that feels like a gorgeous home rather than a hotel; sumptuous art; bathroom amenities from Acqua Di Parma Collection; a TV the rises out of the furniture, you get the idea.
The only sad part was that I was only there for one night. I look forward to returning to enjoy their resort-style pool, high-end restaurants, and spa. I did indulge in some spectacular room service – sushi, late night, and for an early lunch before departing. Obviously ridiculously good since I opted for it twice.
It was a pretty perfect night and one that I look forward to having again next year. In the meantime, I plan to make my way through the evening’s restaurant list. If the tastes were that exceptional, I can only imagine what the meals will be like…
