Inspired by Inside Atlanta, a series created by Atlanta expert Kate Parham Kordsmeier, we’d like to introduce Inside Houston. Each month, we will interview prominent Houstonians about their favorite things to eat, see and do in the City of Bayou. Previously, we spoke with Vanessa O’Donnell, owner of Ooh La La Dessert Boutique, and Kelly Davis of the Houston Moms Blog.
This month, we are sitting down with Chef Brandi Key. As the culinary director of Clark Cooper Concepts, she influences the menus of some of the best restaurants in Houston, such as Ibiza Food & Wine and Brasserie 19. She is also the executive chef of Coppa Osteria, Punk’s Simple Southern Food, SaltAir Seafood Kitchen and The Dunlavy, where she oversees the development and management of the kitchens, menus and equipment in each of the spaces.
Throughout his career, Key has spent time in kitchens large and small, each of which has shaped the chef that he is today. Prior to her current role in Houston, she worked for more than a decade with organizations such as Pappas Restaurants and Tante Marie Cooking School, as well as legendary chef Cindy Pawlcyn, to hone her skills as a chef and restaurateur.
His work has earned him significant honors in the Houston dining community, including 2013 Houston Culinary Awards Chef of the Year and Houston Modern Luxury’s 5 Women to Meet.
I live in… » the Heights area in Houston. I love the area because of the neighborhood feel and the sense of community it offers. It has been a lot of fun watching this community change and grow in recent years with all the talented chefs, bartenders and business owners who make the area their home.
I wish people knew… “that not every day is 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity. We have great fall and winter months that are a blessing to everyone who lives here.
You can find me… “On a typical day, I’ll get to at least two, if not three, of the restaurants. Every morning, I read our summaries from the day before, review my calendar and rosters, and make a game plan for that day. I put myself in the restaurants with the highest priority at the time, depending on special events, changes in staff and menus, or if I have some inspiration for the food there. I am constantly thinking about and discussing our food with my chefs, even if I don’t necessarily arrive at their restaurant on a certain day.
It’s dinner time. I am writing to… »Lupe Tortilla. I love their steak fajitas, and their customer service is one of the best in town. “
The best kept secret in Houston is … »R Bar. It’s a friendly neighborhood bar on Memorial Drive that makes great drinks and has one of the best trivia nights in town.
When I play as a tourist, I like to go to… »The Beer Can House. The Orange Show. Rothko Chapel. Canino’s on Airline. Himalayas. Goode Company. Saint Arnold’s Brewery «.
When I want to rest, I go to… »Mercantile in Montrose. They make my favorite cup of coffee in town.
My favorite place to get fresh air in the area is… “The Lawn at The Menil Collection.”
My Favorite Weekend Activities in the Greater Houston Area … “I usually work almost every weekend, but if I had the day off, it would definitely involve a movie at the iPic Theater. I just can’t get over those chairs.
I like to spend money at… »Texas Art Supply, looking at all the paper, pens, pencils, and notebooks. I could spend hours there. When it comes to window shopping, you can’t beat River Oaks District for all things designer… and brilliant.
What I like the most about Houston is… “all the different neighborhoods that are trashed side by side that can be so diverse and really make Houston the great city that it is today.”
My advice to travelers who come to visit the city is… “make friends with someone here! The best way to get to know the hottest spots is to talk to the people who live here. We all have our favorites, and they are probably all worth a visit. “
