Roberta Schira

With roots in theater, a career shaped by chaos, and a palate for the unexpected, the Top Chef alum has turned self-doubt and creativity into her signature style—on and off the plate.

At Birdie’s in Austin, chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel brings soulfulness and simplicity to the table—whether it’s a salt-baked fish cooked over fire or a nostalgic bowl of spaghetti. Here, she shares what comfort food means to her, what fine dining...

Chef Mayank Istwal, the culinary force behind Musaafer in Houston, shares his approach to fine dining, the dish he’d eat forever, and the roots of his philosophy—a balance of legacy, wellness, and storytelling.

A journey across 29 states, a commitment to craft, and a philosophy centered on harmony define the creative force behind one of Texas’s most distinctive restaurants.