Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… and the smoke-filled area surrounding Post Houston in Downtown proved that Houston’s top steak and seafood restaurants were on fire for the second annual Rare Steak Championship by DiningOut Events on Thursday, October 24.
Guests attending the one-of-a-kind food festival, sponsored by Buckhead Meat & Seafood and benefiting the Blackwood Educational Land Institute, spent a dreamy evening dining on steak and seafood bites prepared by some of the city’s top chefs. Vincent Powell and the Houston Ensemble took to the live music stage and kept the energy up throughout the evening, as guests roamed the sprawling grounds, with sweeping views of the Downtown skyline as a backdrop.
Other participating sponsors, including Stella Artois, Anheuser Busch, Silver Eagle Distribution, Porsche of River Oaks, Pepsi, William Grant & Sons, and Brugal Rum joined rows of restaurant tents, with chefs giving attendees an up close look at all of the steak-grilling action.
More than 20 restaurants participated in the competition this year, including hot spots like Loro Asian Smokehouse, Prime 131, Killen’s Steakhouse, Phat Eatery, the Palm, Nobu, Capital Grille, and Roka Akor. The competition consisted of two categories, “Best Traditional” and “Best Creative” in the steak division, and a separate title for “Best Cocktail”, among participating beverage professionals.
A new layer was incorporated into the event this year with the addition of Surf, an exclusive seafood-focused experience for VIP ticket holders happening simultaneously in its own private section. The premium seafood tasting, which included indulgent bites like shrimp ceviche from Pacha Nikkei, Cajun king oysters from Willie G’s Seafood, and smoked redfish dip from Field & Tides, served as its own dedicated competition.
Guests were given the opportunity to cast their votes for People’s Choice, with a panel of judges made up of local hospitality professionals responsible for Judge’s Choice. In the Traditional category, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse took home top honors for both People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice for its prized dish, braised short rib bites with charred tomatillo butter. In the Creative category, Meat Mafia won People’s Choice for its steak salad and crispy rice, while Monarca Modern Mexican Cocina won Judge’s Choice for its montadita de ribeye.
In the VIP Surf competition, Uchi reigned supreme in both People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice with its akami nashi bluefin tuna. And finally, awards for best cocktails were given to Don Julio and Guard & Grace Houston, which tied for People’s Choice, and Potente for Judge’s Choice.
Those who missed out on the indulgent evening don’t necessarily have to wait another year to attend. DiningOut Events is hosting its inaugural Rare Steak Championship in Dallas on May 15, 2025.
