Houston Area Regional Competition

Winner: Chef Harold Wong of Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar | Houston, TX

Winning Dish: “Cap’n Carpaccio”: Lightly Seared Sirloin Flap Steak Topped with an Orange Jam, Micro Shiso, Garlic Chips, and Fried Leeks Mixed with Ito Togarashi and Paired with Eggplant Slices and Sprinkled with Crumbled Cap’n Crunch Cereal

Photo by Loren J. Root Photography

What were the Secret Ingredients?: In addition to a stocked pantry of standard ingredients, the contestants were surprised with a set of secret ingredients to cook with for the Judges. Each contestant was required to feature Sirloin Flap Steak, provided by Whole Foods Market, and one of the following three additional items: Heirloom Eggplant, Chinese Long Beans, and Brazil Direct Trade La Lucia Coffee Blend from Katz Coffee.

Runner Up: Chef Christina Lee of Central Market Austin Cooking School | Austin, TX

Christina’s Dish: Coffee Crusted Flap Steak, Sautéed Oca Potatoes, Long Beans, Heirloom Eggplants with Tiger Stripe Fig & Chile Sauce

Contestants:

Meet the Chef Judges & Emcee:

Special Guest Sommelier:

Sponsors: