a special night at brennan's
2 James Beard Award-winning chefs return to Houston fine-dining palace for book launch and fundraising dinner
Chef Sarah Grueneberg will return to Houston next week.
Houstonians hold Brennan’s of Houston in high regard for many reasons. Whether it’s the refined atmosphere, polished service, or signature dishes like turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish, and bananas Foster, the Creole restaurant has been a fine dining staple for more than 50 years.
The restaurant’s legacy extends beyond its walls. Known for its rigorous training and high standards, Brennan’s alumni have gone on to lead some of Houston’s best restaurants. They include: Mark Holley (Davis Street), Mark Cox (Mark’s), Randy Evans (H-E-B), Lance Fegen (Liberty Kitchen), Danny Trace (Potente), Bobby Matos (State of Grace and La Lucha), Joe Cervantez (Pier 6), and Patrick Feges (Feges BBQ).
Two of the most prominent former Brennan’s chefs — James Beard Award winners Chris Shepherd and Sarah Grueneberg are returning to the for a two-night dinner on November 29 and 30 in celebration of the publication of Grueneberg’s first cookbook, Listen to Your Vegetables.
As Shepherd explained in a recent Instagram post, the title of Grueneberg’s book stems from a conversation they had many years ago when Shepherd told the then line cook to “let the vegetables talk to her” when she needed inspiration for a new dish. The rest, as they say, is history.
Grueneberg, who won Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2017 for her Chicago restaurant Monteverde, and Shepherd, the former co-owner of Underbelly Hospitality and founder of the Southern Smoke Foundation, will collaborate with Brennan’s chefs Carl Walker and José Arévalo on a four-course menu. In addition, Shepherd, a former Brennan’s “wine guy” and CultureMap’s wine columnist, has selected pairings for the evening.
The menu includes: Shrimp Rémoulade, Gnocchetti con Genovese Pesto, Satsuma & Fennel Seed Roasted Pork Loin with sides, and Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu (see details and wine pairings here). Tickets are priced at $200 per person plus tax and gratuity. Each attendee will also leave with an autographed copy of Listen to Your Vegetables.
Brennan’s will donate a portion of proceeds to the Southern Smoke Foundation. A representative tells CultureMap that tickets remain available as of Wednesday, November 23, but they’re going fast.
