While many of Houston’s finest in the culinary realm received awards at Sunday’s 17th My Table Magazine Houston Culinary Awards in honor of their contributions to the Houston dining and restaurant scene, the most prestigious award — The Legends of Houston Restaurants — was bestowed upon the founder of Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Brock Wagner.
Saint Arnold Brewing Co. is the oldest craft brewery in Texas, and in 2014 will celebrate 20 years in Houston.
The publisher and editor of My Table, Teresa Byrne-Dodge, says that the nominating committee chose to give Wagner the award based on his “deep roots in local brewing, high professional standards, leadership in the craft beer field, his tireless push for progressive legislation to encourage craft brewing throughout Texas and his local philanthropy.”
The brewery gives back to the Houston community through support for a variety of organizations, such as Blue Dog Rescue, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Noah’s Kitchen and the Sustainable Food Center.
Previous winners of the Legends of Houston Restaurants Award include Jim Goode of Goode Company and Damien, Vincent and Tony Mandola.
In a press release, Wagner gives a vast amount of credit to those who have shared craft beer with the world; without their help, he says, Saint Arnold wouldn’t be as successful as it is.
“I have a lot of respect for those whose hard work has helped Houston become one of the best restaurant cities in the United States and was pleasantly surprised to receive this award,” Wagner says.
Mayor Annise Parker also proclaimed October 6 as “Brock Wagner Day” in the city of Houston; you know you’ve made it when you have an entire day (other than your birthday) dedicated to celebrating you.
Head to the next page for the complete list of award winners from the night.
2013 My Table Houston Culinary Awards: Restaurateur of the Year: Terrence Gallivan & Seth Siegel-Gardner, The Pass & Provisions
Chef of the Year: Brandi Key, Coppa
Up-and-Coming Chef of the Year (age 35 or younger): Lyle Bento, Underbelly
Outstanding Wine Service: Max’s Wine Dive
Pastry Chef of the Year (includes breadmakers): Heath Wendell, Slow Dough
Outstanding Bar Service: Hugo’s
Service Person of the Year: Matthew Hunt, Uchi
Houston Classic (a restaurant in business for ten or more years): Hugo’s
Best Interior Design: Brenner’s on the Bayou
Best New Restaurant (must have opened since June 1, 2011): The Pass & Provisions
2013 My Table Houston Foodie Star Awards: Favorite Bakery: French Gourmet Bakery & Cafe
Favorite Barbecue: Gatlin’s BBQ
Favorite Breakfast: Barnaby’s
Favorite Burger: Lankford Grocery
Favorite Coffeehouse: Blacksmith
Favorite Houston Food Blog: Eater Houston
Favorite Mom & Pop Ethnic: El Rey
Favorite Food Truck/Cart: H-Town StrEATS
Favorite Late Night Spot: The Hay Merchant
Favorite Mixologist: Sheridan Fay, El Gran Malo
Favorite Outdoor Dining: Brennan’s of Houston
Favorite Supermarket: Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Favorite Pub or Bar: 13 Celsius
Favorite Sweets/Ice Cream: Crave Cupcakes
Favorite Wine Seller: Houston Wine Merchant
This article appears in Oct 3-9, 2013.