The Houston culinary movers and shakers—top chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists and die-hard foodies—gathered at Reef this weekend for My Table magazine's 13th Annual Awards for Culinary Excellence. Hosted by My Table editor and publisher Teresa Byrne-Dodge and Reef's Bill Floyd and Bryan Caswell (2008's Restaurateurs of the Year), the gala reception toasted the talent that makes Houston a great food city and benefited the Houston Food Bank Kid's Cafe. The hosts decided to make this year's gala slightly less formal, with a cocktail reception boasting the best of Reef's Gulf seafood rather than a traditional seated multi-course dinner.
James Silk, Megan Silk and Richard Knight were named Restaurateurs of the Year for Feast, their much-heralded paean to traditional British gastronomy. Monica Pope of t'afia was named Chef of the Year, and Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar's Jose Luis Vela was named Up-and-Coming Chef of the Year, a category limited to culinary wizards under 35.
Backstreet Cafe won Outstanding Wine Service, Katie Leggett of Andre's Pastry Shop was named Pastry Chef of the Year, and Mark "Bubba" St. Cyr of Carrabba's won Service Person of the Year.
Anvil Bar & Refuge, which may be single-handedly changing the drinking culture and landscape of Houston, took home Outstanding Bar Service. Goode Co. Barbecue was awarded Houston Classic, for restaurants in the business for over 10 years, Mark's American Cuisine won Best Interior Design, and Benjy's on Washington won Best New Restaurant.
C. Sam Ray won the Legends of Houston Restaurant Awards for his 30 years as a fixture and mentor in the food, wine and spirits industry and his tireless work as a committee member to several non-profit fundraisers and his charity event work. Mayor Bill White even named October 4, 2009 C. Sam Ray Day in the city of Houston.
