Sunday evening the Oscars provided some great showbiz entertainment but it didn’t hold a candle to the culinary excitement found at the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show’s event: the 2017 Uncorked's Roundup and Best Bites competition. At least, not to the crowd of about 6000 that descended upon the huge hall to queue up for bites from 100+ restaurants and catering companies, and for a pour of one of 400+ wines.
Chef Kelly Boyd of Downtown’s Hearsay Gastro Lounge was smiling from ear to ear early on in the event, happy to be there and proud of his crispy quail. “Want one?” he asked, handing me a plate with southern fried quail balancing on aged cheddar creamy grits and drizzled with bourbon butter honey spiced with Thai chili. “This is a giant playground for anyone who is passionate about culinary carpe diem. And I am just humble by the honor to be apart of it,” said Chef Boyd. “Look at this crowd!”
The chef was totally in his element at his first rodeo “best bites” competition. His smile was about to get even bigger when he won not only third place in the Lone Star Entree but also the Top Rookie Award.
Trail Blazin’ Appetizer
Winner: Revolve Kitchen and Bar (Achiote-braised Pork Sliders with Jalapeño Slaw)
Second Place: Snooze, an AM Eatery (OMG French Toast Bites)
Third Place: Cotton Culinary (Duck Roulade)
Lone Star Entree
Winner: Merlion on 4th (Shrimp Raad Prik)
Second Place: Killen’s STQ (Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Cherry Habanero Sauce and Creamed Corn)
Third Place: Hearsay Gastro Lounge at Market Square (Southern-fried Texas Quail with Cheddar Grits, Thai Chili, Bacon, Bourbon and Honey Butter)
Two Steppin’ Dessert Award
Winner: Mostly Chocolate (Hazelnut Crunch with Goat Cheese Chocolate)
Second Place: Crave cupcakes (Red Velvet Cupcakes)
Third Place: Brio (Mascarpone Cheesecake)
Rookie Award
Hearsay Gastro Lounge at Market Square
Outstanding Showmanship
Winner: Cupcake Kitchen
Second Place: Brother’s Produce
Tasty Tradition Awards
Mostly Chocolate
Merlion on 4th
People’s Choice Award
Winner: Killen’s STQ
Second Place: Royer’s Round Top Cafe: “Not My Mom’s” Apple Pie
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