Ep 14: Exploring Houston’s Culinary Scene with Chef Hugo Ortega
02/13/25 • 34 min
What compels an 18-year-old immigrant from Mexico City to become a renowned chef in Houston? Hugo Ortega’s journey from helping people carry groceries to founding world-class restaurants is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming cultural shocks and language barriers, his unwavering passion for Mexican cuisine has shaped the H Town Restaurant Group, leaving an undeniable mark on Houston’s culinary scene.
In this episode, we dive into Chef Hugo’s remarkable story—his early struggles, the challenges of the restaurant industry, and how his deep cultural roots continue to influence his cooking.
👉 Learn more about Chef Hugo’s restaurants Chef Hugo Ortega
✅The Early Years: Hugo Ortega shares his background, detailing his move from Mexico City to Houston in 1983. His persistence and adaptability played a crucial role in building his career from the ground up.
✅Restaurant Industry Challenges: From maintaining high standards to overcoming the impact of COVID-19, Hugo discusses the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in the business.
✅Building H Town Restaurant Group: Formed in 2017, the group thrives through regular management meetings, ensuring continuous innovation and excellence across its restaurants.
✅Cultural Inspiration: Chef Hugo draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage, particularly his grandmother’s traditional cooking techniques in Oaxaca, shaping the unique and authentic dishes he serves.
✅Evolution & Growth: Hugo shares his vision for the future, including the planned rebuild of Backstreet Café and his dedication to maintaining the integrity of Houston’s culinary landscape.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Chef Hugo Ortega’s incredible story of passion, perseverance, and culinary mastery.
Key Takeaways
What compels an 18-year-old immigrant from Mexico City to become a renowned chef in Houston? Hugo Ortega’s journey from helping people carry groceries to founding world-class restaurants is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming cultural shocks and language barriers, his unwavering passion for Mexican cuisine has shaped the H Town Restaurant Group, leaving an undeniable mark on Houston’s culinary scene.
In this episode, we dive into Chef Hugo’s remarkable story—his early struggles, the challenges of the restaurant industry, and how his deep cultural roots continue to influence his cooking.
👉 Learn more about Chef Hugo’s restaurants Chef Hugo Ortega
✅The Early Years: Hugo Ortega shares his background, detailing his move from Mexico City to Houston in 1983. His persistence and adaptability played a crucial role in building his career from the ground up.
✅Restaurant Industry Challenges: From maintaining high standards to overcoming the impact of COVID-19, Hugo discusses the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in the business.
✅Building H Town Restaurant Group: Formed in 2017, the group thrives through regular management meetings, ensuring continuous innovation and excellence across its restaurants.
✅Cultural Inspiration: Chef Hugo draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage, particularly his grandmother’s traditional cooking techniques in Oaxaca, shaping the unique and authentic dishes he serves.
✅Evolution & Growth: Hugo shares his vision for the future, including the planned rebuild of Backstreet Café and his dedication to maintaining the integrity of Houston’s culinary landscape.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Chef Hugo Ortega’s incredible story of passion, perseverance, and culinary mastery.
Key Takeaways
Previous Episode
Ep 10: Haunted Houston – Exploring Spooky Legends in The Heights, Galveston, and Old Town Spring
In Episode 10 of the Houston Bound Podcast, Chase Taylor Northup and Mandy dive into the eerie and mysterious side of the Greater Houston area for a special Halloween-themed episode that will thrill all the spooky season lovers out there. As the fog rolls in and the nights grow longer, the duo takes listeners on a haunting journey through three of Houston’s most notorious paranormal hot spots: The Heights, Galveston, and Old Town Spring.
In this chilling episode, Chase and Mandy explore the ghostly legends of The Heights, where Victorian homes hide more than just their historic charm. They recount spine-tingling stories of restless spirits and haunted streets that have kept locals looking over their shoulders for years.
Next, they take a trip to the island of Galveston, a place with a rich and dark history of hurricanes, shipwrecks, and tragic events that have left behind countless ghost stories. From the famous haunted hotels to eerie sightings along the coast, Galveston is packed with paranormal activity, and Chase and Mandy don’t shy away from delving into some of its most bone-chilling tales.
The journey ends in Old Town Spring, a quaint and picturesque part of town that hides a darker past. Known for its haunted shops and mysterious happenings, Old Town Spring has been a hotspot for ghost hunters. Chase and Mandy explore the legends surrounding the area, from unexplained noises to ghostly apparitions that have made it a spooky favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're a fan of haunted history or just looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this episode is packed with ghostly tales and creepy encounters, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a good fright. Tune in, if you dare!
Interested in moving to Texas?
Need some real estate guidance?
Want to see what your home is worth?
Want to hear abour properties before they hit the market?!
Reach out to us and we would be happy to assist!
Chase Taylor & Mandy Poff
Inspired Realty & Co
Chase 📲832.798.5075
Mandy 📲 210.473.8949
🌐www.irandco.com
@inspiredrealtyandco
@chasemeifucan
@themandypoff
Next Episode
Ep 15: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Everything You Need to Know
🎙️ Houston Bound Podcast - Episode 15: The Ultimate Guide to the Houston Rodeo 🤠🎡
Saddle up, y’all! In this special episode of Houston Bound, we’re diving deep into the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—one of the biggest and most exciting events in Texas! Joining us as a special guest co-host is Kenna Stephenson, a local Realtor and Vice Chair for the Speakers Committee. Kenna brings firsthand insights into the incredible impact the rodeo has on our community, from scholarships to economic growth.
But that’s not all—both Mandy and Chase proudly serve on Houston Rodeo Committees that give back to our local community, making this episode a must-listen for anyone who loves Houston, giving back, and of course, rodeo culture!
We’ll cover everything from the World Championship Barbecue Cook-Off 🍖🔥 to the 20 action-packed rodeo performances, plus insider tips on how to navigate this massive event like a pro. Whether you’re gearing up for live concerts, bull riding, carnival fun, or classic rodeo fashion, we’ve got you covered!
🎧 Tune in now to learn why the Houston Rodeo isn’t just an event—it’s a Texas tradition!
Find Kenna Michelle Stephenson on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/kenna.stephenson or
Instagram @kennasellsyourhouse
#HoustonBoundPodcast #HoustonRodeo #HLSR #RodeoHouston #TexasTradition #HoustonEvents #WesternWear #BarbecueCookOff #HoustonLife #Scholarships #RodeoFashion #CowboyStyle #HoustonVolunteers #EconomicImpact #HoustonTexas #SupportLocal #ThingsToDoInHouston #TexasProud #SouthernStyle #MusicAndRodeo #WesternLifestyle #CountryVibes #TexasCulture #SpeakersCommittee #RealtorLife #CommunityService #HoustonRealtor #RodeoCommittees #RodeoSeason
Interested in moving to Texas?
Need some real estate guidance?
Want to see what your home is worth?
Want to hear about properties before they hit the market?! Reach out to us and we would be happy to assist!
Chase Taylor & Mandy Poff
Inspired Realty & Co
Chase 📲832.798.5075
Mandy 📲 210.473.8949
🌐www.irandco.com
@inspiredrealtyandco
@chasemeifucan
@themandypoff
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