Foodie News

The surprises and snubs of the Houston Culinary Awards: Who's your chef?

Before StarChefs.com came calling, before the James Beard Awards rediscovered Houston restaurants, there were the My Table awards. For 15 years, editor/publisher Teresa Byrne-Dodge has given out the My Table Houston Culinary Awards to local chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and more who make Houston dining interesting, exciting and excellent.

The 2011 awards finalists (as chosen by an esteemed panel of local foodies and writers) were announced on Wednesday, and online voting to determine the winners begins Monday. The 25 winners will be announced on Oct. 2 at the Hilton Hotel at the University of Houston. It's the most delicious gala of the year, catered by a crew of nominated chefs.

Among the most prestigious awards are many familiar names and a few surprises. For Restaurateur of the Year, the nominees are names of those who have dominated the Houston scene for years: Claire Smith, Harris & Chris Pappas, Marco Wiles, Mark Cox, Schiller-Del Grande, Tracy Vaught and Elouise Adams Jones.

For Chef of the Year, the honorees are split between those who have shown consistent excellence in their concepts— Mark Cox, Hugo Ortega and David Denis — and a few that wowed Houston with something new relatively recently, like Anita Jaisinghani with Pondicheri, Marco Wiles and Poscól, Randy Evans of Haven and Ryan Pera for his work at Revival Market.

In Up-And-Coming Chef of the Year, only given to those under 35, the field is so crowded that a few faves (like Justin Basye and Adam Dorris) were left off. The contenders? Brandon Fisch (formerly at Yelapa), David Grossman of Branch Water Tavern, Tony's Grant Gordon, Jason Chaney of The Barbed Rose, Jeramie Robison of Restaurant Cinq, Haven's Philippe Gaston and Rolando Soza of Bistro Alex. This much talent in town surely bodes good things for Houston's foodie future.

The Houston Foodie Star Awards also recognize everything from the favorite food truck to the favorite burger and favorite mixologist.

Who do you think got snubbed? (Randy Rucker? Jamie Zelko? Alex Padilla?) Who are your favorite nominees? Do you generally agree or disagree with the finalists?

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All-day Mexican cafe known for açaí bowls sets Woodlands opening date

Courtesy of Ojo de Agua

Ojo de Agua is known for its acai bowls.

A Mexico City-based all-day cafe has arrived in The Woodlands. Ojo de Agua will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday, June 18.

Located near Trader Joe’s at 10720 Kuykendahl Rd., the new location builds on the success of Ojo de Agua’s location in River Oaks District that opened in May 2023. The restaurant is known for its fresh, healthy fare paired with a lively atmosphere.

“We’ve always wanted Ojo de Agua to feel welcoming, energizing, and approachable, a place guests can visit for morning coffee, lunch with friends, or an evening cocktail,” co-founder Rafa Montero said in a statement. “The Woodlands felt like a natural next step for us because of the community’s appreciation for quality, lifestyle, and hospitality.”

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Ojo de Agua has a wide-ranging menu of Mexican-inspired fare. Mornings begin with dishes such as açaí bowls, chilaquiles, and avocado toast — all of which can be paired with freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, or coffee.

Courtesy of Ojo de Agua

Ojo de Agua is known for its acai bowls.

At lunch and dinner, look for salads, sandwiches, and ceviches. Specific dishes include the octopus and cauliflower mole salad, Mexican bowl (brown rice with ribeye, vegetables, cotija, guacamole, and more), lobster grilled cheese, mahi mahi tacos, and tropical ceviche (tuna, mango, and avocado marinated in soy sauce with chili garlic, lime, and green apple). Pair them with cocktails, beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages.

“From the beginning, Ojo de Agua was created around the idea that fresh food, genuine hospitality, and beautiful spaces can positively shape the way people gather and connect,” Montero said. “After the incredible response we received in River Oaks, we are excited to introduce the brand to The Woodlands and become part of such a vibrant and growing community.”

On Thursday, Ojo de Agua will open at 9:30 am. It will stay open through Mexico’s World Cup match against South Korea that begins at 8 pm.

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