The Houston Rodeo’s Uncorked event drew more than 3,000 culinary entries and nearly 500 wines at the NRG Center before the official start of the rodeo.
The Houston Rodeo’s Uncorked event marked the start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo celebrations this weekend, with a competition that brought together thousands of culinary entries and nearly 500 award-winning wines at the NRG Center.
The 23rd edition of the gathering, held Sunday night and sold out, drew thousands of attendees in cowboy boots as they browsed the booths to taste and vote for their favorite dishes.
More than 3,000 entries in competition
The Houston Rodeo’s Uncorked showcased more than 3,000 culinary proposals and wines from a record 25 countries, according to organizers of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Nearly 500 awarded wines were part of the showcase. More than 200 of those entries came from Oregon suppliers, the region highlighted in this edition.
The competition awarded prizes in various categories, recognizing both local restaurants and participating wineries.
Notable winners of the Houston Rodeo Uncorked event
In the People’s Choice category, Cotton Culinary took first place, while Gus’s Fried Chicken finished second.
Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris received the first prize in the Outstanding Showmanship category. Coppa Osteria, an Italian restaurant located in Rice Village, was recognized in the Tasty Tradition category. Robinette Company Caterers earned gold in the Trailblazer Appetizer category.
In the wine category, Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon was selected as Grand Champion Best of Show, the highest honor awarded to wine producers.
Local restaurants and culinary tradition
For Houston chefs and restaurateurs, the Houston Rodeo’s Uncorked represents a key platform within the local culinary calendar.
Jason Gould, executive chef of Common Bond Cafe, participated by offering croissant sandwiches as the line in front of his booth grew throughout the night. He noted that this year he has seen a greater presence of local restaurants and recalled that in its early years the event served as a meeting point for industry professionals.
For many businesses, the visibility this competition offers is an opportunity to connect with new customers and receive direct feedback from the public.
Wineries and new participants
The gathering also served as a showcase for wine producers. Tom Kilgore and his wife participated for the first time representing their winery, 5 Fifty-Five Vineyard and Winery, located in north Texas.
The couple presented a Malbec made with Hill Country grapes. Kilgore noted that the Texas wine industry is gaining recognition and that the rodeo provides an important showcase to introduce their product.
Attendees used the night to browse the booths, sample wines, and savor offerings that ranged from smoked duck gumbo to bites of wild boar and rabbit atop a risotto cake.
Festive atmosphere before the rodeo
In addition to the competition, Uncorked stood out for its festive atmosphere. Giselle Hauser, founder of Guzel Cakes, handed out cake samples in flavors such as cookie butter, strawberry cheesecake, banana pudding, and key lime strawberry.
Her company earned second place in the Two-Steppin’ Dessert Award category.
Among the attendees was Tiffany Utterson, who attended with her family and said she has been attending the wine and best bites competition for at least six years. She valued the possibility to vote and participate in choosing the best dish.
The event served as a prelude to the rest of the rodeo activities. The celebrations will continue this week with the annual Bar-B-Que contest, which starts on Thursday. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will take place from March 2 to 22.
With the Houston Rodeo’s Uncorked event, the city kicks off one of its busiest seasons, combining gastronomy, wine, and tradition at the NRG Center.
