Inside My Table #52 | Excerpt
2002 Houston Culinary Awards
It was Sunday, October 6, shortly before dusk. The rain had stopped, and a storybook rainbow arched over downtown Houston, visible to anyone driving in from the west side of town. Was it an omen? It was certainly one heck of a welcome to the city?s culinary crème de la crème who were converging on the new Hobby Center for the Performing Arts to attend My Table’s Sixth Annual Houston Culinary Awards.
The gala reception and dinner was co-hosted by Michael Cordúa, 2001 Restaurateur of the Year (and owner of the soon-to-open Artista restaurant in the Hobby Center), and publisher Teresa Byrne-Dodge. Houston’s top chefs, restaurateurs, industry professionals and local foodies gathered to honor winners of the 2002 awards and to cheer during a special tribute to retired food editor Ann Criswell. Here are the evening’s winners.
2002 Houston Culinary Awards
Co-Restaurateurs of the Year Bubba Butera and Frankie B. Mandola
Chef of the Year Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s and Backstreet Cafe
Up-and-Coming Chef of the Year (age 35 or younger) Scott Tycer, Aries
Outstanding Wine Service Scott’s Cellar
Pastry Chef Susan Molzan, Ruggles Grill
Bar Service Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Service Person of the Year Armando Rivera, Damian’s
Caterer of the Year Susan Mayfield Catering
Best Interior Design Pesce
Best New Restaurant Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar
Fourth Annual Legends of Houston Restaurants Award Ann Criswell, retired food editor of The Houston Chronicle
