Their name is a nod to the iconic New Orleans fleur-de-lis symbol so it’s no wonder that the catering company Fleur de Licious won the Chef’s Best Bite contest for its bread pudding with praline sauce.
The Defender held the contest during its recent Cheers: A Holiday Affair end-of-year party. Out of the guest votes cast, Executive Chef Travis Dixon took top honors.
“Family is the inspiration between everything I do,” said Dixon, who said his popular bread-based dessert was derived from an old family recipe. Guests described it as “phenomenal” and “the best bread pudding” they have ever had.
“The bread pudding has been passed down through generations. It really is made with love. My aunt and my mom made wonderful bread pudding, but they had fruit in it. Growing up, that’s one of the things I said I would change. So, I take family recipes and put my own spin on it, but still keeping that love in it,” Dixon said.
A Houston-based catering company, Fleur de Licious has over 25 years of culinary and catering experience featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine.
“I like cooking off the grid. People think because I’m from New Orleans, I just do Cajun food. But the best chefs cook for their clients. My best dishes come from you. If you want to eat Italian, we’re going to have the best Italian you’ve ever had,” Dixon said.
Houston is known for its competitive culinary scene, so we asked what has led to the success of Fleur de Licious. Dixon responded, “We take pride in our menu and use only the finest ingredients. We also introduce new dishes that keep our cuisine popping.”
Dixon credits his Fleur de Licious team of Adriane Dixon, Chef Travis Dixon and Chef Antonio Thomas with the company’s success.
“We were in a top chef competition as two guys participating in a fundraiser. We made pasta and everyone commented about how good it was. We realized we worked well together, so we decided to create a business,” Thomas added.
Other featured chefs at the event: Shakti Baum (Etta’s), Mark Hawkins (Mark Anthony Private Culinary Services), Javani King (JKCO Catering + Events) and Clyde Jiles (Mertice Hospitality Group). Additional desserts were provided by Not Jus’ Donuts.
The Defender co-sponsored Cheers: A Holiday Affair with Branwar Wine Distributing Co. The event was attended by more than 300 guests who enjoyed a unique holiday event experience that included an cuisine oasis from some of Houston’s top chefs, the best of Branwar’s wine portfolio, music of the Chase Jordan Quartet and DJ Donnie Houston, a surprise performance by gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson, and an art exhibit spotlighting artists Charles Washington, Gail Mebane, Robert Riojas III and Vivian Leflore Mora.
BY MARGO HUBBARD https://defendernetwork.com/lifestyle/health/fleur-de-licious-wins-chefs-best-bite-cheers/