24HRS in HOUSTON - A Michelin Chef Shows Us Where To Eat - ft. Live Fire, Mexican, Burgers & More
Video Overview & Insights
Join acclaimed Michelin Chef Emmanuel of Restaurant Tatemo as he takes us on an epic 24-hour culinary journey through Houston, Texas—featuring live-fire Basque cooking, Michelin-pedigree French cuisine, viral smash burgers, and a secret late-night food truck.
That burger place looked amazing
In this episode of YS3 Chef, we spend the day with Chef Emmanuel, known for his groundbreaking tasting menu and mastery of Mexican heirloom corn at Tatemo. But today, he’s stepping out of his own kitchen to show us the very best of Houston's explosive food scene.
Baso - We kick things off with Max and Jacques at Baso, where live-fire cooking takes center stage. This "Basque-ish"-inspired hotspot is redefining Houston fine dining with its massive hearth, impeccable technique, and wood-fired dishes that bring serious heat and flavor.
Awesome
Kira - Next, we visit Luis and Paolo at Kira. Known for its highly curated and intimate dining experience, this is where culinary craftsmanship meets luxurious ingredients, offering some of the best handrolls and donburi's in the city.
Tatemo - We head back to Chef Emmanuel’s home turf for an inside look at Tatemo. Recently earning nationwide acclaim, this is where Emmanuel transforms thoughtfully sourced heirloom corn into a masterful, multi-course Mexican tasting experience, inside a tiny 16-seat capacity room in a strip mall.
I live an hour and some change outside of Houston, I've eaten at some AMAZING restaurants there, and I've never been to any of these. Houston's food scene is off the charts, you could do this episode three times over with different chefs and get zero repeats, all great food. Well done!
State of Grace - For a taste of old-school elegance, we meet up with Ryan at State of Grace. It’s a Houston institution beloved for its bustling oyster bar, Southern-accented American classics, and a dining room that perfectly balances luxury with comfort... and do yourself a favor and order a Butter Burger.
Le Jardinier - We transition into high-end artistry with Felipe at Le Jardinier. Nestled in the Museum of Fine Arts, this Michelin-pedigree concept delivers seasonal French cuisine where every plate looks like a modern masterpiece.
Kinda bummed they didn't hit a Viet Cajun spot.
Burger Bodega - Time for the ultimate comfort food. We hit up Chef Abbas at Burger Bodega, the viral sensation that brought NYC bodega culture to Houston. Their perfectly lacy, crispy-edged smash burgers are highly addictive and worth every bit of the hype.
Melrose - As the sun goes down, we head to Melrose for cocktails. It's the perfect atmospheric, high-energy spot to grab expertly crafted drinks and soak in Houston's vibrant nightlife.
Como on Vato, you could have shown us better restaurants than this. So many restaurants, I live in Dallas and could have taken you to better places. Puras Fallas guey.
The Secret Food Truck - We end the night the way every great chef does—at a secret, off-the-radar food truck. We promised to keep the name under wraps, but it's Chef Emmanuel's absolute favorite late-night bite in the city. Can a local tell where we are?
This is Houston through the eyes (and stomach) of a culinary mastermind—diverse, bold, and incredibly delicious.
He got a good vibe; love the guy.
Chapters:
0:00 - 0:55 - Introduction
You go to New York for the service and experience. You come to houston to taste things you will never find anywhere else
0:56 - 6:09 - Baso
6:10 - 10:32 - Kira
You explained this so well, thank you!
10:33 - 15:34 - Tatemo
15:35 - 20:26 - State of Grace
that looks like taco lagunas. i have been to baso, kira, state of grace, le jardinier and i live up the street from burger bodega and eat there every chance I get. will try out tatemo! ps...dont skip the mango shake and screwed fries at burger bodega!!!!
20:27 - 26:31 - Le Jardinier
26:32 - 30:22 - Burger Bodega
Why are you regaling us with your life story at State of Grace?
30:23 - 32:39 - Melrose
32:40 - 32:53 - Any Guesses?
felt like it was a little inappropriate to talk about your own restaurant when visiting State of Grace... I wanted to know more about the place instead im getting Tatemo's chefs life story
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La grange closed after 2 months of filming?
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Baso is trash
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✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:
This is hilarious. Go home and cook your snobbish dishes in California, they’re not wanted here.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a83t_owDEEA
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pmPp0-CD2Y
Aren’t chefs supposed to wear gloves when cooking? Gloves seem quite unpopular in those restaurants 😂
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydeOJ3MEl-o
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM-VTRzWcZY
Ese mero al que se le ocurrió la idea de vender tostada con caviar al 10 veces su precio es un genio.
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🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co
Why would you blow up all of our hidden gems….. 🥹
Old Man by Black Pumas, https://t.lickd.co/l/gqpA9d7DpzN
🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co
Let me just tell you guys something, he is seriously giving you guys keys to the city. These spots are not even known to the Houston-Native.
The city is so big you can't get all of this from just one person.
Colors by Black Pumas, https://t.lickd.co/l/krPogJMlPnX
at 20:39 that's my big colorful floral tapestry permanently installed in the Le Jardinier restaurant at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston! It's an honor to have it there. And yes, the food isn't bad either!
#houstonfood #houstoneats #tatemo #cheftour #htx #michelinchef #foodtour #houstontx #finedining #YS3Chef
Tacos Laguna #2?
More User Perspectives
I know where the food truck is!
@JacksonAllersTacos Laguna on the corner of Montrose and W. Alabama. Tell me I’m wrong!
@matthewprejean4209The Post Beer and Wine Garden
@isidorgarcia1464That's legit
@neztx321Amazingle delicious🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷
@JohnsonSmith-t5zNo gloves handing food? Hmmmm, things they do in the kitchen huh.
@AnthonyFarrer_TPGMy daughter is an EMT in Houston. Forwarding. ❣️
@debuhrle7062I will eat at each of these places. Been to Kira, the music is excellent and the food is amazing.
@real_bullishMan, felt like I was watching an Oprah episode.
@trishhart1946Houston has such amazing food, I love living here. Down here near Montrose is such a culturally rich food area, everyday is a new experience.
@unlmitdbeastmodeI'm coming to your restaurant...believe that. Also, this playlist...I need it in my life, just my vibe.
@unlmitdbeastmodeAgas?
@richie1317Tired of pretentious chefs and their pretentious food. AMINO SEASONING? Yeah... No... Just use soy sauce you freak!
@meetmuppitthat mcintosh
@joseywales3030schannelIgor Fraga quit racing to cook at Tatemo lol
@AnguishBarbarian"Chef Emmanuel's Houston" GUIDE US, TOCAYO!!
@atomicdynamite1631I believe Street to Kitchen is still a hidden gem. The chefs are incredible, and their recipes remain unchanged for anyone. The food is always beautifully presented, and the owner is consistently present, greeting everyone warmly and engaging in conversation.
@JJ_0333Houston used to be the United Nations of food — you could eat around the world without leaving the Beltway. Now it feels like the city got invaded by chains trying to cosplay as Austin. Suddenly every corner has the same “trendy” menu written by a 22‑year‑old who thinks microwaving a pre‑packaged brisket taco counts as culinary innovation.
We went from “authentic dishes from every culture” to “one restaurant per continent” and a whole lot of franchises reheating things that were probably cooked in another state. Houston didn’t lose its flavor — it just got franchised.
Interesting video but please look at reviews for these places. Some mentioned are very lackluster outside of ambiance and “story” of the menu/establishment , and others have a track record for not allowing Black/ patrons of color for things like “athletic shoes” despite the rest of the attire being business casual. And, please, no replies about “but the chef is…” he’s a well regarded chef, his experience is not always that of a regular patron.
Edited for context: I wasn’t going to leave this comment, but I watched this video days ago and just yesterday this happened to a news station team member.
I love Houston.
@CaphewHouston could have it’s own show.
@AH-sn9slLoved everything about this, especially the production and the people.
@ShichmanMambo sucks 😭😭🤣💀
@rubenbarrera7338LOL Tatemo is the most overrated, overpriced bs restaurant in all of Houston! Mind boggling how they got a Michelin star.
@sexypepsi21-vr9jhYou missed some really great spots. I wish you would dig into the history of Burger Chan. Lovely couple who were formerly teachers and took a big gamble to start a restaurant. It’s easily the best burger in Houston.
@samueld92MY ALGORITHM LOVES ME I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THESE IN MY OWN BACKYARD TYSM I'LL BE PULLING UP TO YOUR RESTAURANT GOTTA SUPPORT LA RAZA !
@godlee4779Houston’s got some good restaurants. It’s so diverse!
@Vitone22I was with you until burger bodega. Burger Chan for the win
@thomastries1149You missed Perseid, give it a try.
@HondoLane11