Houston’s Rollicking Food Fest Turns Autry Park Into a Chefs For Farmers Dream — See Which Dishes Reigned Supreme

Ah, the aroma of Republic Reserve tomahawk steak sizzling on the grill, the cooling bites of Underground Creamery ice cream and the thirst-quenching swigs of Stella Artois. These were just a few of the tasty elements greeting the throng 4,500 strong that grazed and partied across Autry Park for the annual Chefs for Famers event.

Throughout a Saturday and Sunday, more than 60 chefs and restaurants offered yummy samples competing for “Best Bite” honors while the unlimited food tastings were complemented by premium wines and spirits, craft cocktails and beer. In a salute to the local farm scene, each restaurant received a stipend to purchase ingredients directly from their designated farm from the area.

With mouths still watering who could forget the smoked brisket with thai chili and herbs from Chef Chris Bosch of Loro, or that wood-fired tomahawk with spicy garden herb sauce from Chef German Mosquera of Long Weekend, or the smoked pork belly with aged cheddar grits from Chef Frank Hernandez of Credence?

Add to the culinary excitement was BMW Centers of Houston teaming up with acclaimed chefs Hugo Ortega or Xochi (and much more) and Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of Jūn for a special festival collaboration. Beyond supping and sipping, highlights of the back-to-back festivities included live entertainment and pop-up shops from local vendors including Monarcha Hat Co., Topped Off Co.’s flower bar and Candy Stix Co.

“The fifth anniversary of Chefs For Farmers Houston was an incredible celebration of the chefs, farmers and partners who continue to make this city one of the country’s most exciting culinary destinations,” Chefs For Farmers founder Iris Midler says. “We are grateful to everyone who joined us at Autry Park and helped make this milestone year so memorable.”

Proceeds from the two days of casual, stand-up wining and dining benefited Houston Food Bank, with enough funds raised to provide 23,661 meals to Houstonians in need.

The Chef Winners

Each of the 4,500 Chefs For Farmers attendees were given QR codes to vote for their favorite dishes. And the winners were:

— Saturday Best Bite Winner: Chef Paul Friedman of The Chef’s Table for Rooster Roast featuring Hurst Livestock Co. beef

— Saturday Second Place: Chef Don Bowie of Taste Kitchen + Bar for Jerk Lamb Chops and Vegan Mushroom featuring Hanhart Homestead and Capra Foods grass-fed lamb

— Sunday Best Bite Winner: Chef Adolfo Monjaras of Frankie B. Mandola’s Catering for Beef Tenderloin Focaccia Crostini featuring Southern Harvest micro greens and Republic Reserve beef

— Sunday Second Place: Chef Gabriel Guzman of Azumi for Tuna Nikkei handroll featuring Zero-Point Organics