News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. August 23, 2024: Caribbean roots and James Beard-nominated chef Tristen Epps is set to bring a new Afro-Caribbean dining experience to Houston, Texas. The 36-year-old chef plans to open Buboy, an Afro-Caribbean tasting menu restaurant, sometime next year, according to the Houston Chronicle. This move aligns with the growing recognition of Black chefs in America, such as Kwame Onwuachi with his acclaimed Tatiana in New York and the Senegalese tasting menu spot Dakar NOLA in New Orleans, who are gaining accolades for crafting food inspired by their heritage on their own terms.
Chef Epps, born to Trinidadian parents, developed a passion for cooking during his childhood, which was marked by global travel with his mother, who served in the military. His experiences in countries like Guam, Japan, and the Philippines nurtured his love for international flavors, immersing himself in diverse food cultures at a young age. His culinary journey has since taken him across the United States and to three continents, constantly expanding his knowledge and appreciation for new flavors.
Epps holds a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. He further honed his skills through a rigorous three-year apprenticeship at The Greenbrier under the guidance of AFC Certified Master Chef Richard Rosendale. His career then led him to various restaurants across the U.S., and in 2014, he competed on ABC’s The Taste, where he caught the attention of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Samuelsson became his mentor, inviting him to New York City to work at the renowned Red Rooster in Harlem. During his tenure under Samuelsson, Epps took on projects in London, Sweden, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. After gaining experience as Executive Chef at Cooks & Captains in Brooklyn and working in Denver for two years, Epps reunited with Samuelsson to lead the kitchen at Red Rooster’s Miami location in the historic Overtown neighborhood.
Under Epps’ leadership, Red Rooster Miami received recognition from the Michelin Guide and was named one of the Top 12 Best New Restaurants in the World by Condé Nast Traveler. The restaurant was also celebrated as the Best Restaurant in Miami. Epps’ personal accolades include being named a Rising Star Chef by Star Chefs of America in 2021, recognized among the Top 20 Under 40 Most Professional in Miami by Brickell Magazine in 2022, and honored as one of the 40 Under 40 Black Professionals by Legacy Magazine in 2023.
Epps has since moved on to run the culinary program at South Beach’s Eden Roc Hotel, where his restaurant, Ocean Social by Tristen Epps, earned him a James Beard Semi-Finalist nomination for Best Chef South in 2024.
Known as a natural leader and mentor, Epps is dedicated to fostering creativity and uplifting others. He is a passionate advocate for underrepresented voices, using his platform to bring attention to the modern evolution of Black diaspora cuisine and other cultural influences that have shaped American food traditions.
