Chris Shepherd
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Chris Shepherd
Fresh Chorizo Tacos with Blistered Poblano and Charred Scallions
Well-seasoned fresh Mexican chorizo supplies the chile, spice, acidity, and richness that form the backbone of this streamlined taco filling. Blistering the poblano and charring the scallions in a cast-iron pan brings smoky flavor and gentle sweetness to the filling without adding extra ingredients. Cool crema, cilantro, and fresh lime provide contrasts that balance the rich sausage.
Longtime employee uncorks a new chapter at beloved Houston wine shop
I love it when a good story comes together. You know, one of those feel-good stories that remind you everything can turn out just right. That’s exactly what’s happening at Houston Wine Merchant. After 42 years under its founder, one of Houston’s best wine shops is changing hands. A longtime employee and his wife are taking the reins, and I couldn’t be happier for everyone involved. To understand why, you have to go back to the beginning. Back in 1984, Scott Spencer had a vision.
Longtime employee uncorks a new chapter at beloved Houston wine shop
I love it when a good story comes together. You know, one of those feel-good stories that remind you everything can turn out just right. That’s exactly what’s happening at Houston Wine Merchant. After 42 years under its founder, one of Houston’s best wine shops is changing hands. A longtime employee and his wife are taking the reins, and I couldn’t be happier for everyone involved. To understand why, you have to go back to the beginning. Back in 1984, Scott Spencer had a vision.
Longtime employee uncorks a new chapter at beloved Houston wine shop
I love it when a good story comes together. You know, one of those feel-good stories that remind you everything can turn out just right. I love it when a good story comes together. You know, one of those feel-good stories that remind you everything can turn out just right. That’s exactly what’s happening at Houston Wine Merchant. After 42 years under its founder, one of Houston’s best wine shops is changing hands.
Link by Link
I MUST CONFESS, I LOVE A GOOD MEAT MARKET. Whenever I travel, I get off the big freeways and hit the backroads because small towns in rural areas always show me the agriculture of where I am. Small-town meat markets in particular are looking glasses into the past. The styles of fresh or cured sausages immediately tell the story of the cultures in that area. Fresh chorizo? It’s a Latin community. An array of styles of bratwurst? There was a German settlement here.
Some of California’s Best Sausage Is Hiding in Wine Country Original
I must confess, I love a good meat market. Whenever I travel, I get off the big freeways and hit the back roads because small towns in rural areas always show me the agriculture of where I am. Small-town meat markets in particular are looking glasses into the past. The styles of fresh or cured sausages immediately tell the story of the cultures in that area. Fresh chorizo? It’s a Latin community. An array of styles of bratwurst? There was a German settlement here.
Some of California’s Best Sausage Is Hiding in Wine Country
Now If you spend the bulk of your time indoors, you should probably add this supplement to your stack. Experts share exactly how much you should consume per day. Nancy Rodriguez, PhD, RDN, FACSM, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut, says that back in her day, no one was …
Some of California’s Best Sausage Is Hiding in Wine Country
I must confess, I love a good meat market. Whenever I travel, I get off the big freeways and hit the back roads because small towns in rural areas always show me the agriculture of where I am. Small-town meat markets in particular are looking glasses into the past. The styles of fresh or cured sausages immediately tell the story of the cultures in that area. Fresh chorizo? It’s a Latin community. An array of styles of bratwurst? There was a German settlement here.
Chris Shepherd previews Houston's celebrity-studded food and wine festival
It’s that time of year when I get ridiculously excited about one very specific day: the Southern Smoke Festival, happening Saturday, October 3 at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. If you like to eat great food, drink great beverages, listen to amazing music, and be part of something bigger than yourself, then do I have a party for you.
Chris Shepherd previews Houston's celebrity-studded food and wine festival
More than 90 chefs, sommeliers, and bartenders will be in Houston for the Southern Smoke Festival. | Photo by Daniel Ortiz It’s that time of year when I get ridiculously excited about one very specific day: the Southern Smoke Festival, happening Saturday, October 3 at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. If you like to eat great food, drink great beverages, listen to amazing music, and be part of something bigger than yourself, then do I have a party for you.
Never Heard of Weisswurst? This Protein- and Fiber-Packed Salad Will Convince You to Put It in Every Dish
Cooking the squash before adding the onion and weisswurst gives each ingredient enough time to brown and become tender without overcooking the delicate sausage. Warm whole-grain farro readily takes up the mustardy cider vinaigrette while retaining its appealing nutty chew. Crisp Granny Smith apple, parsley, scallions, and lemon zest balance the mild richness of the weisswurst and sweetness of the roasted squash.
From Smoked Redfish Dip to Viet-Cajun Crawfish, This Is Gulf Coast Cooking at Its Best
Gulf Coast cuisine is in Lucas McKinney’s blood. His family immigrated to Biloxi, Mississippi, from Croatia in the early 1900s, part of a larger wave of people who moved from the Dalmatian Coast to coastal Mississippi for its familiar landscape and ample work in the region’s booming seafood industry. Generations of McKinney’s family earned their living catching shrimp, tonging oysters, and working in canning factories.
From Smoked Redfish Dip to Viet-Cajun Crawfish, This Is Gulf Coast Cooking at Its Best
Gulf Coast cuisine is in Lucas McKinney’s blood. His family immigrated to Biloxi, Mississippi, from Croatia in the early 1900s, part of a larger wave of people who moved from the Dalmatian Coast to coastal Mississippi for its familiar landscape and ample work in the region’s booming seafood industry. Generations of McKinney’s family earned their living catching shrimp, tonging oysters, and working in canning factories.
From Smoked Redfish Dip to Viet-Cajun Crawfish, This Is Gulf Coast Cooking at Its Best
2026 F&W Best New Chef Lucas McKinney is celebrating Gulf Coast traditions with bushels of blue crabs, biscuits, and gumbo. Chris Shepherd Tue, September 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM EDT 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Credit: Food & Wine / Alex Lau Gulf Coast cuisine is in Lucas McKinney's blood.
Lucas McKinney
JOSEPHINE'S Houston GULF COAST CUISINE is in Lucas McKinney’s blood. His family immigrated to Biloxi, Mississippi, from Croatia in the early 1900s and worked in the region’s booming seafood industry, catching shrimp and tonging oysters. At his Houston restaurant, Josephine’s, named for his great-grandmother, McKinney carries that family legacy forward. As a fellow Houston chef, I’ve known McKinney for years.
Chris Shepherd wines and dines at a city that reminds him of Houston
Recently, I tagged along with my wife Lindsey to Detroit for a Southern Smoke industry lunch. I don’t work for the foundation, but I love any opportunity as a co-founder to meet with industry folks and share our resources (emergency relief funding and no-cost mental health care for people in the food and beverage industry) with them. What we found in the Motor City, though, was so much more than we ever imagined. Detroit absolutely blew us away.
Chris Shepherd introduces a new party game for food and wine lovers
I have a new game for you! A few years ago I wrote a piece — that some of you still talk to me about — about a game called Wine Club Death Match! Now, here is a new one for a group of friends that get together. Take this one and run with it and have an absolute party! Are you ready? Let’s get into it. Last month, I was asked to take part in an event during Aspen Food & Wine called Chefs vs Somms.
Chris Shepherd celebrates the underated wines of the Willamette Valley
Last year, I spent a few days in the Willamette Valley cooking a little, drinking a lot, and slowing down with friends. We zeroed in on the northern part of the valley, right around Yamhill-Carlton, and I’ll just say it’s stunning. Fifty minutes from Portland, halfway to the Oregon coast, farmland rolling into vineyards that feel both grounded and electric at the same time. We went out there wanting to understand what’s really happening not just with the land, but with the wine.
Chris Shepherd celebrates the underated wines of the Willamette Valley
Last year, I spent a few days in the Willamette Valley cooking a little, drinking a lot, and slowing down with friends. We zeroed in on the northern part of the valley, right around Yamhill-Carlton, and I'll just say it's stunning. Fifty minutes from Portland, halfway to the Oregon coast, farmland rolling into vineyards that feel both grounded and electric at the same time. We went out there wanting to understand what's really happening not just with the land, but with the wine.
Gochujang Flank Steak and Pasta Salad
Credit: Food & Wine / Photo by Jake Sternquist / Food Styling by Holly Dreesman / Prop Styling by Lexi Juhl Gochujang anchors both the steak marinade and the pasta salad dressing for deep, spicy flavor. Mayonnaise and lime juice create a creamy, tangy base that coats the salad's corkscrew pasta. Charred vegetables and pineapple add smoky sweetness and textural contrast to the chewy noodles and tender meat.
Chris Shepherd stirs up 3 of his favorite martinis in Houston
The martini has forever been a symbol of celebration. It’s the cocktail for the hard day, the power lunch, the old-school steakhouse dinner, and those nights where you just want to feel a little bit fancy. It’s elegant, timeless and let’s be honest — you look pretty damn good holding one. It’s crisp, refreshing, and somehow always feels right for the occasion. Not that the martini ever went out of style, but I feel like I’m seeing it everywhere again these days.
Chris Shepherd suggests 6 Houston wine dinners to support hospitality workers
What’s happening team! I have some amazing events coming up for you to dive into. Southern Smoke Decanted is coming up in just a few weeks. The event itself is completely sold out, but you have some opportunities here to do some cool things and drink some cool wines! First, the auction will be available for anyone to participate in and have access to amazing bottles and experiences.
Chris Shepherd suggests 6 Houston wine dinners to support hospitality workers
Southern Smoke Decanted is sold out, but Chris has other wine dinner suggestions. | Photo by Daniel Ortiz What’s happening team! I have some amazing events coming up for you to dive into. Southern Smoke Decanted is coming up in just a few weeks. The event itself is completely sold out, but you have some opportunities here to do some cool things and drink some cool wines! First, the auction will be available for anyone to participate in and have access to amazing bottles and experiences.
Chris Shepherd breaks bread with chefs and musicians at new conversation series
I wanted to tell you about something new that I have coming up that we have been working on. I am starting a new conversation series called “Breaking Bread” which is going to be part of the Live at the Founder’s Club series at the Hobby Center. Why “Breaking Bread?” I have always said that breaking bread at the table is one of the last true forms of building community.
Chris Shepherd gives thanks for underrated wine and talented Houston doctors Original
I know my articles have been a bit scarce these past few months, and I owe you an apology. Life shifted in a big way. In September, my wife Lindsey was diagnosed with breast cancer, and our world narrowed, in the best possible way — to home, health, and the fight in front of us. The first and most important thing I’m thankful for is early detection and the city we live in. Having MD Anderson here in Houston is a gift I’ll never take lightly. Lindsey is doing great with treatment.
Chris Shepherd recommends more wines for Thanksgiving, plus a can't-miss meal
I love a great wine event, especially when it’s a winery that I truly love. This one is a true banger. On Wednesday, November 19, the team at The Marigold Club will be hosting Scribe Winery owner Andrew Mariani. Scribe has redefined the wine experience in Sonoma, where the breathtaking hacienda estate looks out over the picturesque vineyards and hills of lower Sonoma Valley.
Chris Shepherd recommends more wines for Thanksgiving, plus a can't-miss meal
Find these four wines at Montrose Cheese amp; Wine. | Photo by Zach Horst I love a great wine event, especially when it’s a winery that I truly love. This one is a true banger. On Wednesday, November 19, the team at The Marigold Club will be hosting Scribe Winery owner Andrew Mariani. Scribe has redefined the wine experience in Sonoma, where the breathtaking hacienda estate looks out over the picturesque vineyards and hills of lower Sonoma Valley.
Chris Shepherd's 4 tips for serving a perfect Houston Thanksgiving feast
As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, otherwise known as the Super Bowl of family dining, it’s time to start planning. This is the day where the hosts either rise to the occasion or crash and burn. And look, I get it — it’s a lot. Even for someone who’s cooked professionally most of my life, Thanksgiving still brings a little stress. Let me make your life easier with a few tips, a game plan, and of course, some drink recommendations to keep it all rolling smoothly. Step One: Make a Plan Start early.
Rules for Best New Chefs, From the People Who’ve Been There Original
Credit: Food & Wine / Galdones Photography On Tuesday, Food & Wine announced the highly anticipated list of 2025 Best New Chefs. Ever since it was established in 1988, this accolade has had a profound impact on the lives of those who are named to it. It brings emerging chefs into the national spotlight and honors the work that got them there. It also prepares them for the road ahead in the food and beverage industry.
Chris Shepherd reveals his favorite bites and sips at new Memorial restaurant
This summer, a restaurant I’ve been waiting on for a long time finally opened its doors — and man, it was worth the wait. Latuli is here, and after a few visits, I can say it’s firing on all cylinders. Latuli is co-founded by Allison Knight and chef Bryan Caswell, and the space itself is gorgeous — warm, inviting, and just feels good to sit in. But what really makes me happy is seeing Bryan back in the kitchen, turning out new dishes while also reimagining some of his classics.
Chris Shepherd shares his burger dos and don'ts, plus his 5 Houston faves
This week I wanted to shake it up with some food thoughts, specifically the burger. Why? Because they are delicious. I also want to tell you what to drink with that burger, because you should have a beverage with your meal. Traditionally, this is a beverage column but CultureMap is super cool with letting me write about whatever comes to mind. Let's get into it. [Editor’s note: Houston burger fans remember that Chris knows this topic well.
Chris Shepherd celebrates a hopeful winery growing forgotten grapes
What’s happening, team! I hope you are doing fantastic! For this week’s Wine Guy column, we are going to talk about one of my favorite wineries right now — Forlorn Hope. Yep, I have mentioned them from time to time, and you will see them on my Instagram as well but we are going to dig a little deeper today. I had the opportunity to drive out to the vineyard and winery a couple of weeks ago and meet with winemaker Matthew Rorick.
Chris Shepherd salutes his favorite Houston restaurant - and its new hot dog tower
those that don’t know, it’s a place where I had the opportunity to hone my skills as a young cook and is absolutely a place that I still call home. It was the restaurant that I wanted to work at so badly after graduating culinary school. I had applied once before, but did not get the job. I was disappointed, but now that I look back I am really happy I didn’t get the job. I wasn’t ready and I know that now.
Chris Shepherd reviews the New York Times' newly ranked No. 1 NYC restaurant
Sometimes, the stars just align. That was the case for my wife Lindsey and me on a recent trip to New York City. We were there for one night — one shot to eat somewhere memorable — and somehow landed a reservation at Semma, the Southern Indian restaurant from the team at Unapologetic Foods. And today? It just got named the No. 1 restaurant in New York by The New York Times. Not a bad coincidence. Here’s how critic Priya Krishna describes it: New York is teeming with Indian restaurants.
Chris Shepherd recommends pulling into a food lovers' paradise in San Antonio
Is there a grocery store worth driving three hours for? Absolutely, and it’s worth staying a day or two to fully understand it. I’ve known the crew at Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group for a while now — chef Kevin Fink, his wife Ali Fink, and pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph are the ones I talk to the most — and every time they open something new, I’m blown away. It’s not just the concepts; it’s how they treat their team and the energy they bring as human beings.
7 Houston master sommeliers share their favorite bottle of wine
This week something amazing happened that I didn’t see coming. Well, not exactly, I should say. Last year at Southern Smoke’s Decanted fundraiser, we auctioned off a night at our house where I would make snacks and all the master sommeliers in Houston would bring a bottle that meant something special to them. Did I ever think all seven of Houston’s master sommeliers would be able to find one night that they would all be available? Not really, because I know how busy they all are.
Chris Shepherd brews a new beer to raise money for mental health
What’s happening, team! Last year at Southern Smoke’s wine-based Decanted fundraiser, we auctioned off a trip to Jackson Hole — two tickets to Jackson Hole Food & Wine, beautiful hotel accommodations, and the winner would make a beer with me at Roadhouse Brewing to benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Chris Shepherd tries the Coravin wine preservation device
What’s happening, team? Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Greg Lambrecht, the inventor, founder, and chairman of the board of Coravin, Inc. Before we get to the conversation I had with Greg, let’s discuss what the Coravin does. Coravin is a by-the-glass system that you can use at home or in any restaurant or wine bar. The Coravin was created to be able to pour a glass from any bottle and have the freedom to revisit the same bottle whenever you choose. What does that mean?
Food and Beverage Workers Need to Be Ready in Times of Crisis - Are You?
Samir Behlic / Food & Wine About the author Chris Shepherd is a longtime member of the Food & Wine family. He was named as a 2013 F&W Best New Chef, and now serves as the publication's "editor in chef," working with each new cohort of Best New Chefs, making sure they have the tools they need to succeed.
Houston chef Chris Shepherd's pro tips for cooking a restaurant-worthy steak at home
Welcome to the world of the steakhouse in your house! Today, we are going to be talking about creating pairings that I believe will help set you up for success on this special night or, quite frankly, any night. I am a big fan and true believer in restaurants and going to them. That being said, Valentine’s Day can be tricky with finding a reservation — that’s part of the fun — but if you are not wanting to be with the crowds, then here we go. I got you.
Chris Shepherd shares his favorite cold weather wines and whiskey
What’s happening, team?! It snowed and not just a little bit — quite a bit! You know what that means? We get to drink some big red wines! Yes, it’s cold, and yes, it snowed. You never know when it will happen again. You also never know if and when you will need to have this handy little article to see you through the next time it gets cold. Or if you are planning a ski trip, you’re going to need to know what to drink.
Chris Shepherd gives thanks for Houston's hard working hospitality industry
This week is Thanksgiving and a true kickoff to the holiday season. All the holiday events, the luncheons, the catered house parties, the large to go orders and all the festive holiday bar pop ups (I know this because I got the CultureMap email this morning telling me about the bars and I thank you for that) for us to enjoy. I would like to take a moment to thank all of the people that make the next six weeks with family and friends amazing.
Chris Shepherd recommends 13 delicious Houston food and wine events
What’s happening, team! Let’s talk about cool stuff to look forward to this month. All sorts of food and wine events give us a chance to eat and drink delicious things! Let’s get your calendar booked up, here we go! There are lots of great wine events coming up this month that you should have on your list. November 7 - Iron Sommelier Lindsey and I love this event and make it out almost every year.
All the bottles being popped at Houston's 2-day Champagne festival
It’s that time of year again—I’m calling on all of you Champagne lovers out there! La Fête Du Champagne is coming to town with one hell of an amazing lineup of parties October 18-19. My wife Lindsey and I attended a couple of the events last year not knowing what to expect.
Chris Shepherd endorses 3 can't-miss Texas wine festivals for fall
It’s September and have I got some cool things to tell you about! Think of this article as “What’s happening in Houston wine right now.” Adele Corrigan Wade and the team at 13 Celsius asked me to put together a small list of 10 wines that I want to drink — wines I think you should drink as well. The best part (other than having something delicious to drink) is that when you have a glass or a bottle of these wines, a portion of the proceeds goes back to the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Chris Shepherd suggests the best BYOB wines for a Chinese food feast
What’s happening team! I hope your late summer has been great. Mine has been fantastic. We did a small Southern Smoke Festival in Napa Valley, my wife and I went to Chicago to see Metallica and got to meet some members of the band, and we just got home from a quick trip to Kauai with family and now I’m back at it! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Shepherd (@cshepherd13) I want to start a discussion in this forum.
Chris Shepherd and Napa Valley experts discuss what's next for wine
I spent last week in Napa with members of the Southern Smoke Foundation team to learn more about the beverage industry and how we can better support them with our resources. In addition to a fundraiser at Farmstead with six of my favorite chefs and six of my favorite wineries, we hosted an industry roundtable to talk about the state of the wine industry now with some of the industry’s brightest minds.
Chris Shepherd explains what it means to win a Wine Spectator Award
What’s happening, you amazing and rambunctious oenophiles aka party people?! Today we are going to talk about the release of the 2024 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, which have recognized more than 3,700 restaurants this year. First, let’s talk about how the awards work. The application process seems fairly easy, but then again, I personally have never applied (my wine director Matt Pridgen used to do that for our restaurants back in the day).
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Chris
Contact Chris, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack