Bryan Caswell, Reef & El Real - Recipe for Success

Bryan Caswell, Reef & El Real

A Houston native, Bryan graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, before venturing to kitchens around the world. He started at the Michelin-rated Via Veneto in Barcelona, Spain, then ventured to the Union Pacific restaurant in New York. Next, Caswell worked at the Oriental hotels in Hong Kong and Bangkok, and at Dune in the exclusive Ocean Club One & Only Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Finally, he returned to Houston to open Bank, a signature Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant located in Hotel ICON.

In early 2007, Caswell followed his passion for international seafood and fine wines to create REEF, one of Midtown's hippest, most acclaimed new restaurants. In 2009, Caswell was named one of Food and Wine Magazine's "Best New Chefs." He was also a contestant on the Next Iron Chef on the Food Network.

Bryan is very popular in the classroom and generous with his time.

2018 Chef of the Year
Kevin Naderi, Roost

Chefs Advisory Board

Beginning in the late 1990's Chef Monica Pope joined in Gracie's efforts to establish a group of concerned chefs who were willing to get involved in a hands on way to teach kids to cook. Twenty-four answered the call and in 2006, we established our Chefs Advisory Board, a working committee with Monica as its Chair. Through the years, more and more chefs have joined our founding members, and today we have over 100 members in Houston and across the country. Monica Pope continues to lead the team as Chair Emeritus.

These busy professionals donate their time month after month, year after year, bringing their unique insight and perspective of food to the children, turning on their taste buds and opening their minds to new foods. It's a Recipe for Success! Would you like to join us? Drop Paris an email and get started today!

The Foundation's Chefs Advisory Board served as inspiration for the White House campaign for Chefs Move to School! Six members of our Chefs Advisory Board joined members of our Board of Directors at the White House in June 2010 for the kick-off of Chefs Move to Schools! where Recipe for Success was featured as a national model and resource. See pictures here. And read about the trip here and here.