HOUSTON – Houston’s culinary scene will be spotlighted on the next season of “Top Chef.”
The popular, Emmy-award winning culinary series, airing on Bravo, will air its 19th season in 2022, according to a news release by Houston First, and will bring a new group of talented chefs from all over the city.
Houston First said in its news release the city is an “international metropolis” where individuals can try up to 140 types of cuisines, from barbecue to Asian.
Welcome to #Htown @BravoTopChef 🎉🍽🥘🎉#hounews #itshappening #TopChef #Sesaon19 #HoustonTx https://t.co/0WwKDG1j5C
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) September 21, 2021
“I cannot think of a more perfect pairing than ‘Top Chef’ and the City of Houston. Both represent a celebration of cuisine, culture and innovation,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We are proud of the diverse community and unique heritage that makes our city such a hot culinary destination — from classics like Tex-Mex and barbecue to local inventions like Viet-Cajun and Japanese Tapas. As any ‘Top Chef’ contestant will tell you, the best food is born out of passion, and Houstonians exemplify this idea with every dish we create.”
Houstonians are no stranger to the “Top Chef” scene. Dawn Burrell, who was a finalist in the most recent season of the show, lives in Houston, is a partner of Lucille’s Hospitality, and has a new restaurant called “Late August” scheduled to open soon in Houston. Burrell said having Top Chef come to Houston is a full-circle moment.
“It really feels good to have done this show and to have this city be the host,” she said. “It just kind of, I don’t know, rounds it all out for me.”
Melissa Stewart is the executive director of the Texas Restaurant Association representing Houston. She said she’s not surprised Houston was chosen.
“I am so thrilled. The first time Top Chef came to Texas they excluded Houston for some unholy reason. I don’t know,” Stewart said. “Houston is absolutely the culinary capital of the south. Our diversity makes our food delicious and we just cannot wait for the rest of America to really get a sense of what we can offer.”
James Beard award winning chef Hugo Ortega of H-Town hospitality group said top chef’s spotlight on Houston’s culinary melting pot was long overdue.
“That is our mission to show Houston to the world and we want people to come and visit us and so for Top Chef to be here that would mean we’re doing things right,” Ortega said.
Season 19 of “Top Chef” is currently in production in Houston.