Top toques spill the beans on their favorite Houston restaurants, culinary inspirations and chef heroes. You’re it, Ryan Lachaine!
CHEF RYAN LACHAINE, RIEL
Which chef in Houston is inspiring you right now?
“Martin Stayer at Nobie’s (nobieshtx.com). He’s a great chef, and his menu is constantly evolving with nightly specials and seasonal tweaks.”
CHEF MARTIN STAYER, NOBIE’S
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in Houston?
“Kata Robata (katarobata.com) in Upper Kirby is my favorite place and has consistently provided the best meal in Houston. I highly respect chef ‘Hori,’ and he has been very supportive of me too.”
CHEF MANABU HORIUCHI “HORI,” KATA ROBATA
Is there a Houston chef you admire?
“Chef Chris Shepherd (underbellyhospitality.com). He is always doing something new, from Underbelly to UB Preserv, his One Fifth concept and more. He is constantly evolving.”
CHEF CHRIS SHEPHERD, UNDERBELLY HOSPITALITY
What Houston restaurant opening are you excited about?
“Everything that Goodnight Hospitality (goodnighthospitality.com) is opening this year. I can’t wait to see Rosie Cannonball, March and the Wine & Cheese Shop, and what they have in store for our neighborhood!”
CHEF FELIPE RICCIO, GOODNIGHT HOSPITALITY
Do you have a Houston chef hero at the moment?
“Nick Wong (ubpreserv.com). He took the challenge of continuing the Underbelly legacy head-on and has done a great job. Plus, he always has a smile on his face. I love having him as a neighbor—he makes my day better every time I see him.”
CHEF NICK WONG, UB PRESERV
Your favorite “night off” place to go in Houston?
“Theodore Rex (trexhouston.com) and Anvil (anvilhouston.com). My go-to drink at Anvil is a highball or a Jungle Bird if I’m feeling festive.”
Photography by: Ryan Lachaine portrait courtesy of Riel; Nobie’s food photo by Shawn Chippendale Photography; Martin Stayer portrait by Trish Badger Photography; Hori portrait and Kata Robata Interior photo by Julie Soefer; cocktail photo by Ralph Smith Studios; All other photos by Julie Soefer