Houston Chef of the Month for May: Justin Santellana

Justin Santellana

HOUSTON – Chef Justin Santellana graduated at the top of his class from Culinary Institute LeNôtre, with a focus in Cuisine. 

Since then, Santellana has developed an intense passion for Classic French Cooking/skills. He worked for 2 years under his mentor, Master Chef Christian Etcherbille and then worked 6 years under Chef Kris Jakob the former Executive Chef of Kris Bistro & Wine Lounge located inside Culinary Institute LeNôtre.

While at Kris Bistro, Santellana received the 2014 and 2015 Houston Press award for Best Charcuterie; in addition to this, his cuisine consistently remained on Alison Cooks Top 100 list.  

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Santellana is now running the kitchen at Nick’s Fish Dive & Oyster Bar located on the gorgeous Woodlands Waterway. 

The focus and approach to his cuisine is one of sustainable practices; he works closely with local purveyors to ensure the freshest ingredients are being utilized.

Click here to see a recipe for roasted corn salad from Nick's Fish Dive & Oyster Bar.