John Sheely, retired-Mockingbird Bistro
John Sheely is a native Houstonian who earned his cooking chops in Vail, CO nearly thirty years ago. Right out of high school--and with no formal training--John supported his skiing passion for fifteen years by working in Vail's finest restaurants, eventually opening and owning L'Ostello.
In 1995, John returned to Houston to open The Rivera Grill, where restaurant critic John Mariani called him a, "Modern master," and Houston's city magazine named him a "Top Ten" chef in 2002. John opened Mockingbird Bistro, where he continues to garner accolades, including one from Esquire: "Best New Restaurants in America." In 2002 Gourmet called Mockingbird Bistro a, "Neighborhood gem."
John was on our founding Chefs Advisory Board and has taught monthly classes at Rodriguez Elementary ever since, plus wielded his talent and several Gala in Small Bites dinners through the years.
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.