Once again Food & Wine magazine wants to know who its readers think deserve the title of The People's Best New Chef in 10 regions across America. In the Southwest category, chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan are nominees for their work at The Pass & Provisions, and Oxheart's Justin Yu can add that consideration to his recent nomination as a James Beard Award finalist.
The magazine praises Siegel-Gardner and Gallivan for "turning out tasty, thoughtful American food in two restaurants (one rustic, one refined) under a single roof." Yu earned his nod "because he's leaving Texans speechless with his delicious, artistic renderings of vegetables."
Austin chefs Mat Clouser, Paul Qui and Andrew Wiseheart and Dallas chefs Omar Flores, Matt McAllister and Brian Zenner are also nominees. As Yu pointed out on Twitter, expect Qui, the Top Chef champion and James Beard winner, to run away with the online contest (unless Houstonians get really motivated?) The 10 regional winners will compete head to head in a final vote to crown The People's Best New Chef.
Last year, the magazine nominated five Houston chefs, including Roost's Kevin Naderi and Chris Shepherd of Underbelly. Shepherd would go on to earn a Best New Chef designation from the magazine's editors, which is separate from (and more prestigious than) the online vote.
Voting runs through March 31.
Last year, Underbelly chef owner Chris Shepherd earned a Best New Chef designation from Food & Wine's editors.
The interior includes plenty of photo opportunitiesCourtesy of Bucket Listers
It's a rockin' good time.Courtesy of Bucket Listers
