Introduction to a James Beard Award Winner
Houston has added another name to its growing list of James Beard Award winners. Thomas Bille, the chef and owner of Belly of the Beast in Spring, has taken home the Best Chef: Texas award at the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony. This prestigious event, held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, recognizes outstanding culinary professionals across the United States.
The Journey to Success
Bille’s path to this award was not straightforward. Originally from Los Angeles, he moved to the Houston area to be closer to his wife’s family. He first opened Belly of the Beast in 2020 as a chef-driven taqueria, known for its unique dishes such as ceviches and birria tacos. After a stint at Chivos, a Mexican-American restaurant in the Heights, Bille and his wife Elizabeth reopened Belly of the Beast in a new location in Spring in late 2023. This new iteration of the restaurant showcased a broader range of Bille’s culinary skills, with a menu that included global flavors such as lamb shank rendang, along with meat, seafood, and pastas.
Recognition and Awards
The new restaurant quickly gained acclaim, including a Bib Gourmand in the 2024 Michelin Guide and nominations for both Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Bille expressed his gratitude upon receiving the James Beard Award, thanking his wife, family, staff, and guests for their love and support. He emphasized the importance of his wife’s role in the restaurant’s success, noting that with her by his side, he could focus on the kitchen and mentoring his cooks.
The James Beard Foundation Awards
The James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony is a significant event in the culinary world, recognizing excellence in restaurants, chefs, and food professionals. Bille was one of five finalists for the Best Chef: Texas award, alongside other notable chefs from across the state. The award is part of the foundation’s efforts to celebrate and promote American cuisine, with a focus on "Good Food for Good" – elevating the industry’s standards and redefining what’s possible in American cuisine.
Texas Winners and Nominees
Bille is the second Houstonian to win the Best Chef: Texas award, following Street to Kitchen chef-owner Benchawan Jabthong Painter, who won in 2023. Another Texas finalist, Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s in Austin, won the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award. Additionally, Chad Houser, founder of Cafe Momentum in Dallas, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award, and Houston-based author, scholar, and journalist Toni Tipton-Martin received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Conclusion
Thomas Bille’s win is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for culinary excellence. As the culinary scene in Houston and across Texas continues to evolve, it’s clear that the state is home to a vibrant and diverse community of chefs, restaurants, and food professionals who are shaping the future of American cuisine. With the James Beard Foundation’s recognition of these outstanding individuals, the culinary world is sure to be inspired by their creativity, innovation, and commitment to "Good Food for Good."
