Photo credit: houston.eater.com
After much anticipation, the Michelin Guide has made its debut in Texas, celebrating the culinary excellence across the state. The inaugural Texas Michelin Guide was launched at Houston’s 713 Music Hall, spotlighting outstanding dining establishments from cities such as Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. In total, over 115 restaurants were recognized, with fifteen earning a coveted star—six from the Houston area—alongside 45 establishments honored with Bib Gourmands.
The venue was transformed with Michelin’s signature red decor, creating an ambiance of celebration. Attendees were treated to a vibrant cocktail hour featuring an array of gourmet offerings, including jamon Iberico, caviar, and mini apple pies, all set to contemporary music and live violin performances. The event was well-attended by notable figures, including Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire, Texas Economic Development and Tourism’s Adriana Cruz, and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, who were joined by a greeting from astronauts at the International Space Station.
Excitement buzzed among the Texas chefs and restaurateurs long before the ceremony began. Many awardees showed camaraderie, with cheering sections for Austin chefs and Houston colleagues mingling and capturing moments together. The atmosphere reached a high point as host Java Ingram began revealing the award winners, transitioning through categories from individual accolades to the prestigious Michelin stars.
The reactions during the announcement reflected a spectrum of emotions, with tears mingling with cheers. Julian Shaffer from Dallas’s Rye emerged with immense joy when accepting the Exceptional Cocktail Award, radiating what Ingram described as a “Texas-sized smile.” Chef Edgar Rico of Austin’s Nixta, who won the Young Chef Award, eloquently expressed his mission of promoting Mexican culinary traditions, emphasizing the vital role of immigrants in enhancing Texas’s diverse culinary landscape.
The ceremony culminated in a spectacular finale, marked by confetti showers as honorees toasted to their achievements. Following the formal program, winning chefs and restaurateurs celebrated the evening further at nearby bars and restaurants throughout the city, extending the joyous occasion.
Recognized chefs beamed as they received their Michelin jackets.
The inaugural Texas Michelin Guide Ceremony represented more than just recognition; it was a celebration of community, culture, and culinary artistry that showcased the state’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Source
houston.eater.com