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Special Feature
Central Market hosts A Delectable Decade!

Ten chefs, including some of the finest in all of Houston, gathered inside a large tent at Houston’s Central Market. The all-star lineup of chefs included: Randy Evans (Haven), Philippe Schmit (Philippe Restaurant), Kiran Verma (Kiran’s), John Sheely (Mockingbird Bistro), Hugo Ortega (Hugo’s), Chris Shepherd (Underbelly), Jamie Zelko (Zelko Bistro), Olivier Ciesielski (L’Olivier Maison), Claire Smith (Canopy and Shade), and Central Market’s very own team of chefs.

Needless to say, I was very excited about attending this event. Until, I woke up this morning to extremely hot temps. Then, by mid-day, it reached 100 degrees in Houston. You read that right–100 degrees!

All I could envision was this open tent, sitting in the middle of a grocery store parking lot, with tons of steamy food, and lots of people. NOT FUN! I’ve been to several food events this year. I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for when a cluster-f is right around the corner. Let’s just say I had that feeling.

I’ve got a bit of a sweating problem, and the thought of walking around a hot parking lot with swampnuts for two hours was none too appealing.

Yes Chef Smith, I'd like a salad...or ten!

But, it was not to be!!! In fact, just the opposite. There was air conditioning…and lots of it! And that’s not all. The event was so well organized (are you listening Haute Food Truck Festival?). It was crowded, but not too crowded. There was space to mingle, and the music was loud, but not too loud. Getting samples of food proved to be easy, and the service was spectacular.

The food delivered…and then some! The menu consisted of all Texas food products. Nothing was bad, everything was good, and some things were amazing. Kudos to the ladies for bringing their A-games. Chef Claire Smith had this beautiful peach, goat cheese, and walnut salad that was bursting with flavor.  The chewy, yet crunchy bread really put this salad over the top.  Such simple ingredients, yet so well constructed.

Chef Zelko's shrimp

Chef Jamie Zelko had my second favorite dish of the evening–an enormous, tangy gulf shrimp over a bed of couscous.

Chef Ortega. Quail. Happy.

It was only topped by Chef Hugo Ortega’s delicious quail. The tender bird was served with a verde sauce, alongside a pyramid of white rice.

The next time Central Market throws a party, I highly recommend attending. It’s worth it!