Chris Shepherd previews Houston's celebrity-studded food and wine festival

It’s that time of year when I get ridiculously excited about one very specific day: the Southern Smoke Festival, happening Saturday, October 3 at Discovery Green in downtown Houston.

If you like to eat great food, drink great beverages, listen to amazing music, and be part of something bigger than yourself, then do I have a party for you. This year, more than 90 of the country’s greatest chefs are coming to Houston, including more than 25 Food & Wine Best New Chefs and chefs representing more than 30 James Beard Awards. Add in multiple James Beard Award-winning bartenders, Master Sommeliers, incredible wine and spirits, and one giant lawn, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a day.

And here’s the thing: why do all of these people come? Because they believe in the cause. We all get asked to participate in a million events, and as food and beverage professionals, you simply can’t cook, pour, travel, and show up for everything. You have to choose.