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Chris Shepherd
Chef Consultant, Founder | Southern Smoke
Experience
2023 - Present
Propriter
Full Tilt FoodsHouston, TX
2023 - Present
Host
Table to Stage & Eat like a LocalHouston, TX
2022 - Present
Chef Consultant
Freelance
2019 - 2019
Outstanding Chef (Semifinalist)
James Beard Award
2019 - 2019
Author
Cook Like a Local: Flavors That Can Change How You Cook and See the World: A Cookbook
2014 - 2014
Best Chef: Southwest (Winner)
James Beard Award
2013 - 2013
Best New Chef
Food & Wine Magazine
2007 - 2011
Executive Chef
Catalan Food and WineHouston, TX
Education
Advice from Chris Shepherd
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I think establishing a healthy work/life balance is a struggle that everyone has, and I’m not perfect by any means.
I believe it is essential to understand that being away from the restaurant, sometimes that can be just a few steps away from The Pass, can help you clear your head, spur creativity, and better understand what is going on. But it took a long time for me to realize that and not be in the restaurants every night.
I look for two attributes in an individual when I’m hiring:
heart and giving a shit. Neither of these can be taught or trained; both are important and breed success.
The philosophy we live by in my restaurants is "Always Learning." We change menus a lot to force people to experiment, to read, to try new techniques.
It teaches the staff not to be afraid to fail, because that is what makes you better—but only if you learn from it.
I continue to work and excel in this industry because I’m not finished saying what I want to say yet.
I have so many thoughts and ideas in my head and so many people on our staff that I want to push to excel in this industry alongside me.
I couldn't do this job without my team.
The team that we’ve built is inspired, loving, compassionate, and mindful. Everyone is supported, and as a result, held to a higher standard.
Roles in Culinary
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