Scott Castell - Recipe for Success

Scott Castell

Native Houstonian Scott Castell melds the influences of his Louisiana born Creole-cooking father and practical Midwestern mother, to create the picture perfect recipe for the cuisine at his new restaurant. "I call it New American--it's a little Louisiana, a little French Bistro, a little Midwestern USA, and all me." Castell attended the Art Institute Culinary Arts Program while working as Assistant GM at the Salt Grass Steak House and as GM and Chef de Cuisine at Paulie's Café in northwest Houston. In 2004 he received the prestigious St. Regis Houston Scholarship, one of the largest of its kind offered by Friends of the James Beard Foundation, which he used to pursue his culinary education. Eventually, Castell purchased the former Café Toulouse, renaming it Bistro Toulouse, but recently joined the Landry group as Executive Chef at Brenner's Steakhouse on the Bayou where he reigns supreme over the grill.

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.