Made in House: Houston is presented by The Speke Originals Network (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekeoriginals)

Chef Philippe Verpiand shares the journey from Michelin-starred French kitchens to Étoile in Houston. He discusses craft, consistency, Gulf ingredients, his chef’s garden, and building an approachable French restaurant that has endured for more than a decade.

Learn more about Étoile: https://etoilecuisine.com/

Key takeaways

1. Chef Philippe began cooking at 16 and trained in Michelin-starred kitchens throughout France.

2. He learned that the long hours and low early wages of kitchen work demand real commitment.

3. After the 2008 recession complicated restaurant ownership in California, he and his family chose Houston for its opportunity and quality of life.

4. Étoile was created as refined but approachable French dining, rather than a formal special-occasion-only restaurant.

5. Familiar dishes, a longtime team, and consistent hospitality have helped Étoile build loyalty.

6. Chef Philippe incorporates Gulf ingredients and produce from his own garden into seasonal specials.

Made in House: Houston is presented by The Speke Originals Network (<a href="https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekeoriginals">https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekeoriginals</a>)
Chef Philippe Verpiand shares the journey from Michelin-starred French kitchens to &Eacute;toile in Houston. He discusses craft, consistency, Gulf ingredients, his chef&rsquo;s garden, and building an approachable French restaurant that has endured for more than a decade.
Learn more about &Eacute;toile: https://etoilecuisine.com/
Key takeaways
1. Chef Philippe began cooking at 16 and trained in Michelin-starred kitchens throughout France.
2. He learned that the long hours and low early wages of kitchen work demand real commitment.
3. After the 2008 recession complicated restaurant ownership in California, he and his family chose Houston for its opportunity and quality of life.
4. &Eacute;toile was created as refined but approachable French dining, rather than a formal special-occasion-only restaurant.
5. Familiar dishes, a longtime team, and consistent hospitality have helped &Eacute;toile build loyalty.
6. Chef Philippe incorporates Gulf ingredients and produce from his own garden into seasonal specials.

Food writer Megha McSwain goes beyond Houston’s headlines and hot lists to meet the chefs, owners, and neighborhood kitchens shaping the city’s food culture.

Made in House: Houston explores the stories, sacrifice, and pride behind every plate.

Food writer Megha McSwain goes beyond Houston&rsquo;s headlines and hot lists to meet the chefs, owners, and neighborhood kitchens shaping the city&rsquo;s food culture.
Made in House: Houston explores the stories, sacrifice, and pride behind every plate.

Made in House: Houston

Houston is made in its kitchens, dining rooms, bakeries, markets, and the people bold enough to build something of their own.

Hosted by food journalist and storyteller Megha McSwain, Made in House: Houston takes you inside the city’s most compelling food stories, from beloved neighborhood institutions and rising chefs to restaurateurs, makers, and the communities that shape how Houston eats.

This is a show about flavor, culture, creativity, and the business of bringing people together around a table. Whether you are a lifelong Houstonian, a devoted diner, or simply curious about the people behind the plate, pull up a chair.

Houston is made in its kitchens, dining rooms, bakeries, markets, and the people bold enough to build something of their own.
Hosted by food journalist and storyteller Megha McSwain, Made in House: Houston takes you inside the city&rsquo;s most compelling food stories, from beloved neighborhood institutions and rising chefs to restaurateurs, makers, and the communities that shape how Houston eats.
This is a show about flavor, culture, creativity, and the business of bringing people together around a table. Whether you are a lifelong Houstonian, a devoted diner, or simply curious about the people behind the plate, pull up a chair.