Matthew Gray - Recipe for Success

Matthew Gray

Michelin-rated chef Matthew Gray serves as the executive head chef of Chez Roux. The restaurant, which debuted with much fanfare in March 2009, is the first in the United States to bear the pedigree and name of famed Master Chef Albert Roux, known for launching the careers of notables such as Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White.

Gray, the top selection for the post from Roux's consultancy, was most recently the executive head chef of Inverlochy Castle - internationally recognized as one of Europe's top hotels - where he had worked under Roux's tutelage since 2005. Gray not only brings a unique grasp of Roux's technique and experience to his role, but he is currently the only working chef in Texas to have personally earned a Michelin star for his accomplishments.

Gray graduated with distinction from the Napier Polytechnic of Edinburgh with a BA in Hospitality Management and began his culinary career at the prestigious Greywalls Hotel in Muirfield, Scotland while still in school. Following graduation, he returned to the estate property to serve as commis chef.

After working as chef de partie at the well regarded Cromlix House Hotel in Kinbuck, Scotland, he accepted his first position at a Michelin-rated restaurant located at Knockinaam Lodge Hotel in Portpatrick, Scotland. Here, he served as second chef for a year until joining the culinary team at Inverlochy Castle in 1995. At Inverlochy, he began his employment as larder chef and quickly rose through the ranks as pastry chef, second chef and finally executive head chef, a title he earned in 2001.

2018 Chef of the Year
Kevin Naderi, Roost

Chefs Advisory Board

Beginning in the late 1990's Chef Monica Pope joined in Gracie's efforts to establish a group of concerned chefs who were willing to get involved in a hands on way to teach kids to cook. Twenty-four answered the call and in 2006, we established our Chefs Advisory Board, a working committee with Monica as its Chair. Through the years, more and more chefs have joined our founding members, and today we have over 100 members in Houston and across the country. Monica Pope continues to lead the team as Chair Emeritus.

These busy professionals donate their time month after month, year after year, bringing their unique insight and perspective of food to the children, turning on their taste buds and opening their minds to new foods. It's a Recipe for Success! Would you like to join us? Get in touch and get started today!

The Foundation's Chefs Advisory Board served as inspiration for the White House campaign for Chefs Move to School! Six members of our Chefs Advisory Board joined members of our Board of Directors at the White House in June 2010 for the kick-off of Chefs Move to Schools! where Recipe for Success was featured as a national model and resource. See pictures here. And read about the trip here and here.