Houston-area chef takes a top honor at James Beard Awards

HOUSTON — The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards were handed out Monday night to the cream of the crop in the restaurant industry. 

Four Houston-area chefs and restaurants represented Houston as nominees, with one taking home the top honor.

Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring was named Best Chef: Texas over fellow finalists, including Houston’s Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó, as well as chefs from San Antonio, Dallas and Marfa.

This is Bille’s first win in the category.

Best New Restaurant nominee: CasaEma HTX

CasaEma HTX in the Heights specializes in the diversity of maize, pan dulce and Mexican cuisine. 

Co-founder and chef Nicolas Vera curates the lunch menu where maize is the star of the show. 

The chefs say the simple concept is inspired by their love for Mexico as they showcase the history of the culture through their “craft and creativity.”

“Representation is really important for us, in different aspects,” Vera told Houston First. “We wanna make sure that Mexican cuisine is being properly represented in a more refined dining setting.”

Co-founder and pastry chef Stephanie Velasquez puts a modern touch on traditional pastries while Marlén Mendoza manages the coffee and beverage program.

“We want to be able to connect with just everybody who comes in here whether it be through conversation, whether it be through food,” Valasquez told Houston First. “And doing the farmers’ market helped us create this connection with the community and just build rapport and build relationships with them …”

CasaEma HTX is located at at 5307 North Main Street.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages: March 

March in Montrose was nominated in the category of Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. 

“March is our ode to everything that we love,” CEO and award-winning sommelier told Houston First. 

Along with an extensive wine and cocktail list, March features a six-to-nine-course tasting menu that’s centered on Mediterranean cuisine. 

The restaurant and lounge are located at 1624 Westheimer. 

Best Chef Texas: Tatemó

Chef Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó was nominated for Best Chef: Texas.

“Overall, just to be representing not uh not only this restaurant, but my staff, my culture, my heritage, my career and representing the greater Houston area, it’s an honor, you know,” Chavez told Houston First.

Tatemó is located at 4740 Dacoma Street in northwest Houston.

The James Beard Foundation presented food and nutrition journalist Toni Tipton-Martin with its Lifetime Achievement Award. 

According to her website, the Houston native is on a mission to build a healthier community through her books, foundation and in her role as Editor in Chief of Cook’s Country Magazine and its PBS television show. 

If Tipton-Martin looks familiar, it might be because she appeared as a guest judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” 

And speaking of “Top Chef,” Houstonian Tristan Epps presented an award at tonight’s ceremony. Epps just won “Top Chef.” Influenced by his native Trinidadian, Epps won with “modern Afro-Caribbean cuisine through an elevated lens.”