Grocery Chef Leaves

Rising star chef leaves innovative supermarket restaurant to concentrate on Cajun food

H-E-B's massive new Tanglewood store has emerged as a legitimate dining destination thanks to the presence of its in-store restaurant Table 57 Dining & Drinks. In addition to featuring a menu created by former Haven chef Randy Evans, Table 57 also benefited from the presence of Allen Duhon as executive chef, but that situation changed on Sunday. Duhon, who worked as Evans's sous chef at Haven, tells CultureMap that he has worked his last day at Table 57.

"It just wasn't a good fit for me," Duhon tells CultureMap via text message. "Time to do my own food."

"My Maw Maw and Dad (taught me). Plus I'm Cajun so its in my blood," Duhon writes.

For a Port Arthur native like Duhon, "my food" means Cajun cuisine. He's joined up with the owners of Fat Bao and will be taking over their Fat Wagon food truck. Tentatively called Maw Maw's Rustic, the truck will feature items like gumbo, fried chicken liver po' boys, skillet cornbread and a whole host of other Cajun specialties.

"My Maw Maw and Dad (taught me). Plus I'm Cajun so its in my blood," Duhon writes. The chef also had professional guidance, as he explains. "Randy helped, too. Teaching me how to do Southern food in a restaurant setting . . . I'm happy for the opportunity H-E-B gave me and glad I worked under great chefs like Randy Evans and Philippe Gaston."

H-E-B public affairs representative Cyndy Garza-Roberts provided the following statement about chef Duhon in response to a request from CultureMap. "Chef Allen Duhon is no longer with Table 57. He has decided to leave H-E-B to pursue other opportunities. Executive Chef Randy Evans continues to lead all the culinary efforts at the popular new concept restaurant, Table 57. He is assisted by stable H-E-B chefs and we are continually amazed by his creative cuisine."

Duhon expects it will take a couple of weeks for him to finalize the menu for Maw Maw's. For now, the Fat Bao truck will keep its current menu. In addition to his responsibilities on the truck, Duhon also expects to assist Fat Bao chef Pak Trui at Trui's upcoming restaurant Ka Sushi in the Heights.

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dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's Signature is Grape Creek's members-only restaurant, but a small number of reservations will be offered to non-members.

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

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