TEXAS Chef of the Year by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Stacey Miller
M
orris Salerno might need to invest in a bigger trophy case. The longtime Executive Chef and owner of Bistecca steakhouse and Salerno’s restaurant was named Texas Chef of the Year on August 8 by the Texas Chefs Association.
Six previous winners cooked dinner for
member chefs throughout the year,
Country Club.
Chef of the Year has been named every
him and his friends and family at Denton At the end of the night, Salerno was
awarded a giant trophy to commemorate his win.
I love being a Chef,”
Chef Salerno said. “It is such an honor to have been chosen Chef of
the Year and to be the keeper of the trophy
until the next Chef of
the Year is announced
next year! There are so many GREAT chefs in
our state; I am humbled to be among some of the very best!”
including Salerno’s latest honor. A Texas year since 1968.
Last year’s winner, Dean Sprague, traveled from Corpus Christi to honor Salerno.
“I LOVE COOKING AND MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY. IF I’M REMEMBERED FOR ANYTHING, IT SHOULD BE THAT I MADE PEOPLE HAPPY AND THAT I HAVE A BIG HEART.”
While this is a huge
honor, being recognized for his culinary skills is nothing new to Chef
Salerno. He began his culinary career in the
1970s at the Fairmont
Hotel in Dallas and later joined the prestigious
Lowes Anatole Hotel in
Dallas when he was only 27. In 1989 and 1991, Morris earned “Dallas
The Texas Chefs Association (TCA) is
Chef of The Year” by the Texas Chef
Federation and is comprised of 14
of the Top 10 Young Chefs of Dallas by
and regions throughout Texas. The
numerous awards with the World Master
a chapter of the American Culinary
Association. He was also selected as one
dynamic chapters operating in cities
The Dallas Times Herald. He has also won
organization proudly recognizes its
Chefs Society Team USA in competitions
10 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE
| OCTOBER 2020
in France, England, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Sweden, and Thailand. And yes, his food is off the charts. Bistecca offers fine dining in the heart of Highland Village. That includes everything from savory pastas to fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and high-quality steaks. With its inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is regarded as one of the more romantic restaurants in Denton County. Bistecca is perfect for the local couple who want to get away and celebrate a special occasion. Salerno’s moved down the street from Bistecca in 2019 and continues to offer many of the Salerno family classics, including Carolyn’s Manicotti, Bob & Sue’s Seafood Linguine, and Chuck’s Chicken Mogia, as well as some new innovative menu items created by Chef Morris. Clearly, this is a mecca of great food by one amazing family, and now, loyal customers won’t have to travel far to get the best of both worlds — from the Texas Chef of the Year. “I love cooking and making people happy,” Morris said. “If I’m remembered for anything, it should be that I made people happy and that I have a big heart.”
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