Supported by the U.S. Consulate General Toronto, Taste USA, Visit Houston, and Travel Texas.

Celebrate Black History Month by enjoying an evening with U.S. Celebrity Chef Chris Williams, a 2023 semi-finalist of the esteemed James Beard Award, as well as nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur. Chef Williams is visiting from Houston, Texas to highlight U.S. Southern Cuisine both traditional with a modern twist. Much of the roots of much of Southern Cuisine was developed by enslaved Afro-Americans.

Today, Chef Williams has honored his ancestors, specifically his great-grandmother, Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, who was a recognized American entrepreneur/food manufacturer, educator, inventor, and Chef who was born in Texas in 1892. Today, he maintains the original recipe cards from his great-grandmother. The restaurant, Lucille’s is recognised by many and continues to attract Houstonians and visitors.

Chef Williams heads up a nonprofit, Lucille’s 1913 which provided meals to front line workers at the peak of COVID-19. President Joe Biden and Mrs. Biden recognized his efforts in 2020 by visiting Chef Williams and his crew. In addition, the non-profit has set up a farm that will help to employ, train, and pay residents in Kendleton, located Southwest of Houston.

Chef Chris is excited to return to Canada, having spent a lot of time over the years in Halifax, opening Emil’s Black Point Bistro in 2022 in Black Point, a village near the city.

The evening will begin with a selection of canapés, followed by a dinner curated by Chef Chris and prepared by The Chefs' House culinary students and staff, complete with beverages.

Tickets are limited and priced at $100 + HST and Eventbrite processing fees.