Closing Out Rodeo Season with Culinary Excellence at Champion Wine Garden

As rodeo season comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the experiences that made it special. For the team at Cotton Culinary, the first quarter of 2026 wasn’t just busy and booked — it was a celebration of community and heritage, everything the rodeo signifies. From the high-stakes creativity of Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition to the time-honored traditions of the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, each event we participated in reflected a deep connection to Houston’s culture, community and culinary excellence.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is about more than food and festivities. It’s one of the largest charitable events in the world, raising millions each year to support Texas youth through scholarships, education programs and agricultural initiatives. Cotton Culinary is proud to be part of the institution that gives back and contributes to the community. 

This year marked another milestone for Cotton Culinary at Best Bites, earning their 7th buckle and 4th People’s Choice Grand Champion title. The winning dish, “Huntsman’s Harvest,” featured wild boar, venison and rabbit in a bold yet refined protein trio, layered over a crispy risotto cake with ancho wildberry gastrique and juniper crème fraîche.

Last but not least, Cotton Culinary added its own signature sendoff to the Houston Rodeo: a delectable brunch at Champion Wine Garden, a must-visit experience for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Chef Wade and the team debuted a standout dish: crawfish eggs Benedict. Equal parts Gulf Coast and indulgent, the dish offered a fitting tribute to Houston’s unique flavor and flair. 

Rodeo season is not just the competitions, the concerts or even the cuisine — it’s about a city coming together to celebrate its roots, strengthen bonds in the community and invest in our future generations. For now, we say goodbye as we raise a glass to another unforgettable 2026 season. Until next year!