As families across the Texas Hill Country continue to recover from the devastating floods that swept through the region over the Fourth of July weekend, a Houston-based nonprofit is stepping in to help a community that often serves others first: food and beverage workers.

Host of "Eat Like a Local," Chris Shepherd, is behind the nonprofit Southern Smoke Foundation, which is committing $150,000 toward the Hill Country Relief Fund application to assist food and beverage workers impacted by the devastating flood.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, the crew returns to Galveston to learn how fresh caught Gulf seafood makes it from the dock to your plate. Host Chris Shepherd’s first stop is at Katie’s Seafood Market where he meets local fisherman Buddy Guindon who owns the market and Katie’s Seafood House right next door.

Galveston is known for its laid-back coastal vibe, rich history, and, of course, seafood. However, despite its proximity to the water, not all Galveston restaurants are sourcing fresh Gulf seafood. Host Chris Shepherd set out to sort out the local spots that are sourcing locally and serving up some of the best dishes in town.

In this episode - a showcase of Eat Like a Local's favorite desserts, plus Chris Shepherd samples some new sweet treats that joined the most loved list!

Chris Shepherd's pursuit of the finest chicken fried steak plates around first takes him out I-10 to Sealy, where Wolf Pack Woodfired Tavern has teamed up with another local favorite, Bellville Meat Market, to create one of the most tender chicken fried steaks around.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd sits down with four-time James Beard Award nominee and mastermind behind some of Houston’s top Japanese restaurants, Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi. Together, they dive into all things sushi, wagyu, and sake.

Treat yourself to the stories behind some of Houston's tastiest, creamiest, and most delightful ice cream shops by watching the 50th episode of "Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd"!

Host Chris Shepherd sits down with Johnny Carrabba for a fun chat about his food, his family, and how they became such an important part of Houston's food scene.

Host Chris Shepherd is diving into the delicious world of RodeoHouston, helping you find the best bites from the 120+ food vendors serving up everything from fried cheesecake to barbecue and bacon-wrapped, well, everything.

From critically acclaimed to up-and-coming, we’re introducing you to the young chefs who are reshaping Mexican food in Houston.

Bacon and eggs are great, but breakfast can be so much more! This week on “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd is on a mission to find unforgettable early morning dishes.

We’ve covered farm to table on “Eat Like a Local”, so now in this episode we’re talking boat to table! Host Chris Shepherd headed to the coast to learn how blue crabs make it from our local waterways to our local restaurants..

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we’re taking a new look at barbecue. In Texas, barbecue means meat smoked low and slow, but as host Chris Shepherd explains internationally barbecue takes on a different interpretation with meat cooked fast over fire or charcoal.

No matter the time of day or your mood, there’s a sandwich sure to satisfy your cravings. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, Chris Shepherd hits the road to find everything from a savory breakfast sandwich to a satisfying Philly cheesesteak. Hoagies, subs, clubs, Cubans, they’re all fair game.

Host Chris Shepherd caught up with Chef Luis Roger the day after BCN nabbed a coveted Michelin Star at Texas’ first-ever Michelin ceremony.

From sky high sandwiches to house-made corned beef and old-world favorites like kugel and matzoh ball soup, Ziggy Gruber sit downs with Chris Shepherd to explain how he brought his family's Jewish heritage and their deli legacy to Houston through food.

Pies for the holidays and all year round! “Eat Like a Local” chef Chris Shepherd visits some of Houston's busiest and most renowned spots for whole pies and slices!

From breakfast to dessert, “Eat Like a Local” chef Chris Shepherd samples some of the best Pakistani food in the Houston area. Joining him for this episode is Burger Bodega chef and friend Abbas Dhanani.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd goes on a journey to explore different types of tamales from Mexican to Colombian and Cuban. He even finds a few surprises along the way.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd visits one of Houston’s quiet icons, Mandola’s Deli.

Chris Shepherd recently stopped by Houston Life to chat about the return of his popular ‘Table to Stage’ chef series with a new guest and a new venue.

Chris enlists the help of chef/owner Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk to help educate him on this growing culinary movement in Houston.

From pho to vermicelli to lo mein, in this episode of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd is on the hunt for the best noodles in town.

In this episode of "Eat Like a Local", savory and sweet Indian cuisine -- the history behind some of the best restaurants in Houston.

In this episode of "Eat Like a Local", it’s a crispy, crunchy, southern classic – fried chicken! We can’t talk about fried chicken in this city without going to Frenchy’s Chicken.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” -- scratch that, this week, it’s Drink Like a Local! Chef Chris Shepherd checks out neighborhood watering holes and a luxe speakeasy as he searches Houston for the best cocktails in town.

From crispy and crunchy to thick and gooey, chef Chris Shepherd has scoured Houston for some of the best cookies in town. In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, he takes us to a few of his favorite spots for a sweet treat.

Can’t make it to the festival? The YETI Culinary Stage cooking demos will be livestreamed on KPRC 2+ starting at 4:30 p.m. The demonstrations will be hosted by chef, YouTube personality, and New York Times bestselling author Brad Leone.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, we meet chefs who have set up shop inside local neighborhoods and share their signature dishes that keep people coming back.

To kick off Season 2 of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd visits a local farm to see where Houston restaurants are getting the freshest and most flavorful produce.

To kick off Season 2 of "Eat Like a Local", Chris Shepherd visits a local farm to see where Houston restaurants are getting the freshest and most flavorful produce.

Schedule of events

I had never thought about working in TV, but after sitting with the team at KPRC 2 and talking about this show, I knew it was for me. Talking with the people that make our city’s restaurants so amazing, showing viewers what makes our city the best food city in the country, highlighting these places and helping tell their stories is what I have always wanted to do. Sharing stories of these great people for all to see -- It is my dream!

He's a James Beard award-winning chef and one of our favorite TV hosts; Chris Shepherd is in the host seat. We caught up with him as he gets set to premiere season 2 of 'Eat Like a Local' this Saturday.While you may be used to seeing him right here on KPRC, it's what he does behind the scenes to support Houston food and beverage workers that's even more impressive. His Southern Smoke Foundation is expanding to help those in crisis across the nation. We found out exactly how it's helping on an SSF takeover of Houston Life.

As one of Houston’s most well-renowned and loved chefs, Chris Shepherd takes great care when planning for some of his most popular events – all of which benefit restaurant workers everywhere.

We found making a TV show with Chris Shepherd is fun, spontaneous, and frequently unplanned. Despite this producer’s efforts to keep us on point, we frequently end up at what we over time have dubbed “pit stops”. This is when Chris’ excitement to experience every kind of food in our city causes us to abruptly veer off-course. This bonus episode is all about the pit stops.

We're hopping on the mocktail trend with our friend Tanji Patton of Goodtaste TV. She's creating some iconic cocktails without the liquor. Plus a creamy and boozy martini dip to pair.

Chris Shepherd, a local renowned and award-winning chef, has dedicated his efforts to providing a means of support to food and beverage workers across the nation.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd sits down with Jaisinghani, the chef & co-owner of Pondicheri, who he calls a “local legend,” “amazing human,” and “amazing chef.”

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd takes us to some of his favorite places for fresh shelled seafood like crawfish, crabs, and lobster.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd shares some of his favorite places to pick up breakfast or even road trip treats, including one that got its start almost seven decades ago.

Pizza is not one slice fits all. We’re not just talking about customizing toppings. Several Houston restaurants are standing out for the techniques they use to craft the perfect cheesy pies.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd heads east to meet Billy Link of Link Rice and Crawfish Farms who explains what it takes to supply Houston with the best crawfish. Shepherd then visits Crawfish Shack in Crosby where they boil up more crawfish each year than just about anybody.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd spends a day sampling desserts, entrees, and drinks at one of Houston’s biggest annual events.

Purchase your tickets with an exclusive Insider discount.

A flavorful journey through the Houston rodeo with chef Chris Shepherd as your guide.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd sits down with Williams to hear the stories of Lucille’s, his nonprofit organization Lucille’s 1913, Eldorado Ballroom and Rado Market which sit next to Houston’s Emancipation Park, and Williams’ most recent endeavor Late August.

You’ll never grocery shop hungry again if you visit a Houston market that got its start 40 years ago. Phoenicia Specialty Foods has ready to eat food, plus an expansive store with filled with meats, cheeses, olives, wines, spices and so much more -- including a bakery and famous conveyer belt of fresh bread.

While you’ve likely heard much about Chris Shepherd before, what you might not know is how hard he works on a daily basis to bring everything he’s got to the people of the city, while still pouring into his home life with his wife, Lindsey Brown.

Chris Shepherd and friends in the restaurant business share where they go for cocktails and dinner

Chris Shepherd visits Monument Inn and BB's Tex-Orleans in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Chris Shepherd visits HK Dim Sum and Fung's Kitchen in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Chris Shepherd visits Bludorn and Nobie's in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

You’ll find Donna Vallone most days at the restaurant. Also there, executive chef and partner Kate McLean, who worked and trained under Tony Vallone for several years. She returned to Tony’s in 2022 where she has brought her own flair to the kitchen.

KPRC 2 is partnering with James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd to spotlight the Greater Houston area’s diverse food culture, culinary hotspots, and hidden gems that make our city unique.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd introduces us to two women who've been making a big impact on the Houston food scene for decades. Hear the stories behind how Irma's Original and China Garden Restaurant came to be and why they're still going strong.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd takes us to a Mediterranean food truck he recently tried with his wife and decided had to be on the show.

From the meats to the sauces to the fresh and perfectly made tortillas, you’ll want to put Dichos Taqueria and El Hildalguense on your list of places to dine.

A fine dining experience and fundraising event will precede the college football playoff at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8.

From a restaurant where Shepherd learned to cook Thai food to the dining destination owned by Houston's most recent James Beard award-winning chef, this episode of "Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd" is filled with flavor and heat! 🔥

Phat Eatery and Dim Sum Box are among the many choices for people looking to dine or grab dessert in this Houston suburb.

Chef Shepherd and his friends from ‘Eat Like a Local’ help you plan the perfect Thanksgiving!

Blood Bros. BBQ and Feges BBQ are two of the spots in Houston shaking up the traditional barbecue seasonings.

From oysters and redfish to custom-made caviar, these Houston restaurants are perfect for a special occasion. Chris Shepherd takes us to LIttle's Oyster Bar and Josephine's in this episode of "Eat Like a Local"

Where does a James Beard award-winning chef like to eat on his days off? Chris Shepherd takes us to two of his favorites on "Eat Like a Local"

Southern Smoke holds a festival each year that hosts some of the industry’s most talented chefs and personalities, with the help from plenty of local chefs and establishments.

Rosie Cannonball and Candente are two Houston restaurants using fire to make their recipes sizzle.

Enjoy Taco Tuesday? Why limit yourself to just one day when there are so many great places to dine from breakfast to dinner any day of the week.In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, the chef explores tacos for just about every taste.

Enter here to win an exclusive tour of Karbach Brewing Company!

Gather around the table for the best of the best Vietnamese food. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or looking for a place to sit and enjoy food and quality time with loved ones, this episode has you covered.

Chris Shepherd digs into craft barbeque in this episode of "Eat Like a Local". Find out how one popular pitmaster perfected his brisket and how another got his whole family involved in the business.

Find out which spots James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd hits up for a good burger in the series premiere of ‘Eat Like a Local’

The two chefs will introduce the Southern Smoke Juicy Lucy Burger as part of this special collaboration…while supplies last!

Erin Smith, co-owner of Houston’s Feges BBQ, shows us the simple side dish that is perfect for your summer barbecue or next Tex Mex meal at home. With just 6 ingredients, elote is an affordable and quick dish that will impress your family. The recipe can easily be scaled up to feed a party crowd. Watch the video to see how to make it!

Chris Shepherd’s show ‘Eat Like a Local’ will introduce viewers to the people and food that make the Houston food scene one of the most unique in the country.

Leonard Botello IV’s Truth BBQ has been ranked in the top 3 of Texas Monthly’s best barbecue joints in Texas. Chef Chris Shepherd heads to Truth’s location in the Heights to learn more about how Botello is helping define craft barbeque and some of the secrets to turning out some of the best barbeque in the state.

Chris Shepherd's new show "Eat Like a Local" will introduce viewers to the Houston area’s diverse food culture, culinary hotspots, and hidden gems as well as the history and families behind the restaurants.

KPRC 2 is partnering with James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd to spotlight the Greater Houston area’s diverse food culture, culinary hotspots, and hidden gems that make our city unique. "Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd" premieres Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

Meet the man behind Gatlin’s BBQ, and find out how his family inspired him to open up this Houston BBQ hot spot.

It's summer, and for many, that means burger season! James Beard award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd is checking out some of the best places to eat in Houston, including a local burger joint that has been a staple in Houston for 60 years. Learn the secret to their longevity as Chris Shepherd takes us inside Champ Burger in EADO as part of the summer series, 'Eat Like a Local.'

Burger Bodega has people lining up to try a New York specialty that’s perfect for burger lovers. Chris Shepherd takes you inside the restaurant to find out why it’s becoming the coolest, up and coming burger joints in Houston.

We’re starting our new summer series ‘Eat Like a Local’ with a look at legendary crawfish farm, Link Farms. Watch as Houston chef Chris Shepherd takes us to Crowley, Louisiana to meet Billy Link and learn how he's helping feed Houston's insatiable appetite for crawfish!

Catch up with Chris Shepherd.

Ryan Cade from R-C Ranch teaches us how to shop for meat, what to look for, and how to prepare it.

The fight between two heavyweight combatants continued on Tuesday during a city council meeting over a lucrative concessions contract at Hobby Airport.

Council members continue to respond to questions surrounding the current ‘food fight’ at Hobby Airport and one is even calling for an investigation into the matter.

This Summer, he stepped away from the kitchen

These are some of the couples with storied pasts in Houston and Texas. Some come from reality and others from the imaginations of creative folks with an eye on the Lone Star State.

Houston-based charity organization Southern Smoke Foundation was awarded as the 2021 “Best of the Best in Dining” for their ongoing charity efforts by industry magazine Robb Report.

HOUSTON – Celebrity Chef David Chang’s smarts have netted a huge donation for a Houston charity. Chang won the top prize on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” on Sunday and he designated Southern Smoke as his non-profit recipient. The Houston-based organization aims to aid people in the food and beverage industry that have been affected by disasters. Southern Smoke co-founder Chris Shepherd said Chang’s donation will help hundreds of people. If you’d like to donate to Southern Smoke, go to southernsmoke.org.

HOUSTON – Two renowned Texas chefs are joining forces with a Houston brewery to craft a special pilsner that allows you to give back to the community. Austin-based chef Aaron Franklin and Houston-based chef Chris Shepherd joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind beer with Karbach Brewing in hopes to bring something good out of 2020. The new beer, called Horseshoe Pilsner will benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, supporting food and beverage workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, according to a release. Horseshoe Pilsner is “made to be the perfect palate cleanser” and is perfect to enjoy with Texas barbecue, said Franklin, who owns Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Both Franklin and Shepherd hope they will raise up to $100,000 for Southern Smoke Foundation.

Bar and nightclub owners are holding out hope that it will pertain to positive news for their business. Seats around the bar are sectioned off and their customer base has decreased due to the pandemic, said owner Steve Labac. Michael Klein, president of the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance (TBNA), said a lot of bars and nightclubs are making that transition, since the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) wont allow them to open their doors otherwise. Popular Houston chef Chris Shepherd, who owns Underbelly Hospitality, said his industry is taking a huge hit too. He also said the Payment Protection Program loans from the Federal Government, which he applied for, runs out this month.