HOUSTON – In a recent episode of Foodies and Friends, host Katie Stone engaged in a delightful conversation with Jessica Secrest at Hugo Ortega’s renowned restaurant. Given their shared experiences as mothers of picky eaters, the discussion naturally extended beyond the confines of a single show.
During the first segment, Jessica reflected on her culinary journey, revealing that her passion for cooking did not originate in a professional kitchen but rather stemmed from a lifelong quest for “the perfect bite.” Her transformation from experimenting with family recipes to becoming a trusted voice for home cooks underscores her belief that food must be delicious to be worth the effort.
Katie was particularly intrigued by a frozen yogurt recipe that Jessica recommended for breakfast or snacks, contemplating whether to pause the interview to whip up the dish herself.
As the conversation progressed, Chef Hugo showcased several classic dishes, including grilled octopus, gulf snapper ceviche, and fried grasshoppers, all of which provided Jessica with new and exciting culinary experiences.
The heart of the discussion centered around Jessica’s new cookbook, Of Course It’s Good. More than a mere collection of recipes, the book serves as a guide for confident cooking. Jessica explained that the title is not just a boast, but a commitment to providing foolproof, flavor-rich dishes that are sure to impress at the dinner table. Her goal is to encourage both seasoned cooks and novices alike to explore new flavors and venture beyond their culinary comfort zones with bold textures and unexpected combinations.
As Katie offered insights into the Houston culinary landscape, Jessica eagerly shared her experiences at Bucee’s and her enthusiasm for visiting a H-E-B plus store, while Katie reminisced fondly about the local butter tortillas.
In the second part of their discussion, Jessica’s love for garlic shone through as she introduced a favorite recipe from her new cookbook. Chef Hugo further delighted her with a lesson on traditional Mexican dishes, including chocolate caliente and churros.
Follow Jessica Secrest on her social media platforms @applesauceandadhd for more culinary inspiration.
For those interested in Houston’s vibrant restaurant scene, previous episodes of Foodies and Friends are available for viewing.
