On Monday, April 12, about 200 Houston Chowhounds and food industry folks gathered at Branch Water Tavern to taste bourbon-inspired food and drinks by some of Houston’s best chefs as well as mixologists from Houston and Austin. It was an extraordinary evening and the opportunity to sample some of the area’s finest food and drink in a jovial and friendly atmosphere.
Winning dish: David Grossman's Bourbon Bacon and Eggs.: Joanne Witt photo
The winners in each category walked away not only with a title but also a Marker’s Mark trophy. And the winners were:

Chefs

First: David Grossman, executive chef/partner of Branch Water Tavern, with Bourbon Bacon and Eggs.
Second: Pastry chef Rebecca Masson with Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwich.
Third: Mark Cox, executive chef/owner of Mark's, with 5 Spice Infused Marker’s Mark Bourbon Braised BBQ Pork Short Rib Sandwich.

The other competitors included Reef's Bryan Caswell, Pesce's Mark Holley, T'afia's Monica Pope.
The winner: Anthony Montz's Old Fashioned New School: Joanne Witt photo
Mixologists

First: Anthony Montz of Hearsay Gastro Lounge with an Old Fashioned “New School.”
Second: Claire Sprouse of Beaver's with The Valley.
Third: Matt Tanner of Anvil with Honey & Vinegar.

The other competitors included Adam Bryan of Austin's Eastside Showroom, Bill Norris of Austin's Fino, and Branch Water's Ryan Rouse.

To see more photos of the event, go here.

The judges for the event were Spec's wine manager Bear Dalton,
Makers Mark's Hailey Harris, chef/owner Barry Maiden of Hungry Mother in Boston, food blogger Katharine Shilcutt and cookbook author Robb Walsh.

As I was leaving, the rep from Marker’s Mark asked me if I had a good time. I thought about it, I not only enjoyed the food and drinks, but the intimacy of Branch Water Tavern last night with friends and members of the food community all supporting one another.

I then asked him if he had enjoyed himself.

"Of course, I had a good time," he replied. "I sell whiskey for a living."

The Houston Chowhounds have several more competitions coming up, including a Ceviche Throwndown in July and a Street Food Throwdown in October. You can find details here.