Houston’s Culinary Scene Gets a Boost
Houston has played a significant role in America’s culinary scene, but the city had never been home to a Top Chef winner until recently. Chef Tristen Epps changed that by earning the title and a $250,000 cash prize in the final episode of season 22.
Epps’ Journey to Victory
Epps secured his victory by remaining true to the Afro-Caribbean cuisine that helped him win an impressive four Elimination Challenge wins and $35,000 in additional prize money. His four-course menu took a panel of celebrity judges on a journey that referenced the finale location of Milan, Italy. The menu included dishes such as Chicken "Durango" with injera shrimp toast and shellfish jus, and Oxtail Milanese Crepinette with Carolina Gold rice grits, curry butter, and bone marrow gremolata.
A Nod to Cultural Heritage
Epps’ second course, Chicken "Durango," was particularly impressive, as it referenced both the Ethiopian chicken stew doro wat and the Italian dish pollo durango. This clever nod to the history of imperialism between the two countries wowed the panel of judges. Top Chef alum and James Beard Award winner Gregory Gourdet praised Epps’ dish, saying, "Historically, we’ve been underserved oxtail. Tristen took the time to pull it, create that beautiful, huge, maybe too big, portion of oxtail. And cover it with that gremolata. He did not forget the bone marrow. That’s very, very smart."
What’s Next for Epps
Throughout Top Chef’s run, Epps has been holding a series of pop-ups devoted to everything from hot dogs to steakhouses. Now, he can turn his attention to Buboy, a tasting menu concept that will celebrate the Afro-Caribbean cuisine he championed throughout his time on the show. Epps plans to use his prize money to fund Buboy, which will offer a unique dining experience that is both fun and educational.
An Interview with Epps
In an interview with CultureMap, Epps reflected on his victory and what’s next. When asked about the day he cooked his final dinner, Epps said, "It was an extreme amount of focus. A lot of writing in my notebook. I didn’t want to laugh. I didn’t want to cry or do anything except finish the job, regardless of whatever the outcome would have been." Epps also expressed his gratitude for the support of his fellow chefs, including Gregory Gourdet, who served as a judge on the panel.
The Importance of Representation
Epps’ win is significant not only for himself but also for the Afro-Caribbean community. He noted that other chefs, including Gregory Gourdet and Houston chef Dawn Burrell, have done well on the show with Afro-Caribbean cuisine but didn’t win. Epps felt a sense of responsibility to finish the job and use those flavors to win the title. He said, "To me, that was super important. There’s adventurous people who make phenomenal food. They’ll go once because it’s interesting, but they’re usually skeptical. When you don’t nail it, they say, that’s why I go to the regular places that are familiar."
Conclusion
Tristen Epps’ win on Top Chef is a significant milestone for Houston’s culinary scene and the Afro-Caribbean community. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to showcasing the flavors and traditions of his heritage have paid off. As Epps looks to the future and the opening of his restaurant, Buboy, fans of the show and foodies alike can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented chef. With his prize money and the support of his fellow chefs, Epps is ready to take the culinary world by storm and make a lasting impact on the food scene.
