2019 Houston Rising Stars


Bartender Westin Galleymore of Underbelly Hospitality | Formerly Known As: Reposado Tequila, African Marigold-infused Cocchi Americano, Maurin Quina, Gran Classico, Dried Marigold

Bartender Tommy Ho of Anvil Bar & Refuge | Minch’s Lure: Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Poire William Brandy, Almond Extract

Restaurateur David Keck and Chef Adam Garcia of Goodnight Hospitality | Sea Bream, Pil Pil Sauce, Citrus Salad, Pickled Guindilla Pepper, Pennyroyal paired with Malvasia Istriana, “Chioma Integrale,” Vignai da Duline, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2017

Chef Bobby Matos of La Lucha and State of Grace | Bone-in Beef Rib, Ginger-Gochujang Glaze, Pickled Watermelon

Chef Jonny Rhodes of Indigo | Slum Village: Ash Aged Potato Ashcake, Okra Condiment, Caramelized Potato Créme, Crispy Shallots, and Thyme

Chef Kaitlin Steets of Theodore Rex | Celtuce, Smoked Beef Tartare, Gypsy Peppers, Preserved Green Tomatoes, and Cured Egg Yolk
Tasting Gala & Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, December 10
The Corinthian
202 Fannin Street
5:45pm VIP Reception
6:30pm Awards Ceremony
7:15pm Tasting Gala
We're returning to Houston 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: 16 dishes, 16 wine pairings and 2 signature cocktails.
$85 General Admission
$125 VIP Admission*
*Includes access to a private reception featuring Champagne
A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to our local charity partner, I'll Have What She's Having, which raises community awareness and funds in support of women's health.
Rising Stars Award Winners
CHEFS
Natasha Douglas
Better Luck Tomorrow and Penny Quarter
Drake Leonards
Eunice
Bobby Matos
State of Grace and La Lucha
Kaitlin Steets
Theodore Rex
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 Houston
RESTAURATEUR
presented by Singer M. Tucker
David Keck
Goodnight Hospitality
CONCEPT
presented by Kikkoman USA
Jasmine Chida
Sweet Cup Gelato & Sorbet Originale
ARTISAN BAKER
presented by Butter of Europe
Matthieu Cabon
Magnol French Baking
ARTISAN ROASTERS
Benji Aguilar and Kaitlin O'Brien
Xela Coffee Roasters
BARTENDERS
Westin Galleymore
Underbelly Hospitality
Tommy Ho
Anvil Bar & Refuge and Penny Quarter
SOMMELIERS
Presented by Wines from Spain
Andres Blanco
Caracol
Lindsay Thomas
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
GUEST CHEFS
Betty Martinez
H-Town Hospitality
Master Carver Manuel Recio
Spain