The Truffle Masters Returns — with a New Competition — Benefitting Southern Smoke

The Truffle Masters Returns — with a New Competition — Benefitting Southern Smoke

THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.


Thirty chefs are competing including new Michelin star laureates Chef Michaela Arzola of March and Chef Felipe Botero of Le Jardinier. Other restaurants participating include Uchi, Okto, The Kennedy, Hidden Omakase and Leo’s.

In a first for The Truffle Masters, a cocktail competition has been added! VIP guests will be able to to sample creations by Javier Ruano of BCN/MAD, Afzal Kaba of Musaafer, Fredy Nunez and Mo Jalal of Wild and Wooster’s Garden before a panel of judges will award The Truffle Masters' first-ever Cocktail Master. Cheers!

Southern Smoke Foundation is dedicated to providing emergency relief, mental health services and financial assistance to food and beverage industry workers in crisis. Founded by Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke has distributed over $10 million in direct assistance to hospitality professionals facing medical emergencies, natural disasters and unexpected hardships.

The competition takes place The Revaire and tickets are available here.

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture