Food Lovers Flock to Chef Fest 2022

Our annual Chef Fest event always attracts a crowd. This year was no different as more than 1,000 food lovers flocked to the Harvest Green Village Farm for a day fabulous chef-created dishes, live music and fun.

Eight of Houston’s most talented chefs crafted springtime dishes inspired by the produce grown on our very own Village Farm. The menu included: Pizza Bianca: Rosemary Flatbread with Texas Chickpea Puree, Beets, Carrots, and Roasted Green Onion Relish from Angelo Emiliani (Angie's Pizza and Café Louie); Roasted Carrots and Beets with Labneh, Toasted Sesame, Sesame Oil, Local Honey, and Dill from David Cordua (The Lymbar); Charred Cabbage with XO Sauce, Herbs, and Celeriac Puree from Top Chef Season 19 contestant Evelyn Garcia (KIN HTX); Hamachi Sashimi Crusted in Leek Ash with Fennel Salad, Mala Chili Oil, Apple and Kohlrabi Foam, and Radish from Jeff Potts (93’Til); Kohlrabi Tart Tatin from Martha Wilcox (Indianola); Grilled Ribeye Sandwich on a Smoked Beet Buttermilk Biscuit from Michelle Wallace (Gatlin’s BBQ); Harvest Green Spring Salad with Confit Leeks from Paris Anton (Vegan AF-ish); and Mole Rosa with Mushrooms and Roasted Root Veggies from Victoria Elizondo (Cochinita & Co.). Guests also enjoyed Pretzel Bites from Houston artisan Slow Dough Bread Co. and an Afghan dessert, Firni with Haft Mewa, from emerging non-profit, PX Project.

Adult attendees also had opportunities to sample alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from seven of the state's top beverage brands, as well as self-served Acqua Panna.

Cocktail highlights included Cucumber Margarita, Desert Dill Paloma, and Ranch Waters from Desert Door Sotol; Frankly Fizz, Strawberry Fields, and Bloody Marys from Frankly Organic Vodka; Spring Collins, Rosemary Brown Derby, and MG Old Fashioned from Milam & Greene Whiskey; Shady Grove, Garden Party, and Spice of Life

from SIPPLE (non-alcoholic); Canned Peach Moscato, Canned Beau, Canned Rosé, Vitality, and Abounding from Messina Hof Winery; 1980 Kolsch, El Hefe, and Sittin' Sidehaze from No Label Brewing Co.; as well as Classic, Grapefruit, and Lemon/Lime sparkling water from Rambler Sparkling Water.

Attendees were also treated to live performances by Sean Heyl and Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats as well as farm tours and add-on activations by Fat Cat Creamery, Island Breeze Party Rentals, as well as chefs Alvin Schutlz (Eat. Drink. Experience), Jane Wild, and Lindsey Fuquen (KITCH Services).

Chefs Jane Wild and Lindsey Fequen led kids ages 5-12 in hands-on cooking classes creating springtime dishes as well as build-your-own Lettuce Make Tacos.

Chef Alvin Schultz taught pickling and fermenting classes covering seasonal fermentations and versatile refrigerator pickles.

By the end of the day, guests went home happy, healthy and more knowledgeable about the Houston-area agricultural environment. We can’t wait to do it again next year!