On November 11, 2024, Houston’s 713 Music Hall became the epicenter of culinary celebration as it hosted Texas’s first-ever Michelin Guide ceremony. This landmark event marked the Michelin Guide’s expansion into the Lone Star State, recognizing exceptional dining establishments across Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth.
The ceremony honored 15 restaurants with one Michelin Star each, highlighting the state’s diverse and dynamic food scene. Notably, four barbecue restaurants, including CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Texas, received stars, marking a significant recognition for this quintessentially Texan cuisine. Additionally, two establishments were awarded Michelin Green Stars for their commitment to sustainable gastronomy. In total, the guide featured 116 restaurants spanning 26 cuisine types, reflecting Texas’s rich culinary tapestry.
Houston First, the city’s tourism organization, played a pivotal role in bringing the Michelin Guide to Texas. The organization invested $270,000 over three years to support the initiative, aiming to boost the state’s reputation as a culinary destination and attract food enthusiasts worldwide. Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “Today’s Texas is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world, and now those restaurants become more visible to the world from this prestigious guide.”
The inclusion of Texas in the Michelin Guide is expected to have a positive economic impact, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Houston, known for its cultural diversity and vibrant food scene, boasts over 12,000 restaurants offering more than 80 different types of cuisines. The recognition from Michelin is anticipated to draw global attention to the state’s culinary offerings, further solidifying its status as a gastronomic hotspot.
The ceremony also featured special awards, including the Sommelier of the Year, awarded to Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston, and the Young Chef Award, presented to Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria in Austin. These accolades underscore the talent and innovation present within Texas’s culinary community.
As the Michelin Guide continues to explore and recognize culinary excellence in Texas, the state’s chefs and restaurateurs are poised to make an even greater impact on the global food scene. The success of the inaugural ceremony sets the stage for future editions, with plans to rotate the hosting city annually, further showcasing the depth and breadth of Texas’s culinary landscape.
