Hello everyone and welcome to the official blog of Chef Stephan Pyles. Here you will find insider information, photos, news, updates and the general comings and goings of Chef Pyles.
As some of you know, our newest concept, Stampede 66, is scheduled to open in early October. Think modern Texas with a casual, creative and high-energy ambience. The menu will consist entirely of familiar Texas dishes but each will be re-interpreted with a contemporary twist.
We have selected our executive chef and it was a natural choice. Our current execu-chef at Samar, Jon Thompson, will make the transition from cardamom and curry to chiles and chicharon. The kitchen will serve as much Texas-sourced product as possible and my years of research into Texas culinary history will be fully utilized. We have already begun the sourcing of wild native products such as Agarita Berries, Turksap and Red Mulberry. We will be using seafood exclusively from the Texas Gulf Coast and poultry such as dove, quail and wild turkey, will all come from Texas farms or the wild.
Construction is under way, and the kitchen, bathrooms and screened porch are now being framed.
This ceiling structure will represent a warm, summer Texas night sky. As the classic song goes: the stars at night are big and bright – deep in the heart of Texas! Imagine the full moon scattering its beams through the trees as you dine on honey-fried chicken or the best bowl of chicken and dumplings you’ve ever had.
Stampede 66 is all in the details. Take a look at the framing of this bathroom, for example.
If you think back to Star Canyon, you may remember the branded tiles on the ceiling. At Stampede 66, we will brand tiles on the wall by the bathrooms. Each tile will contain the unusual name of a city in Texas, and yes, there are some “doozies”. Ever heard of Mobeetie, Poteet or Looneyville? Certain cities just have to automatically be placed together, such as Needmore and Cash. Wait until you see some of the other combinations…you might just forget you had to go to the bathroom.
Stay tuned for next week’s post.
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Steve, how did you come up with the name, Stampede 66?
My family’s restaurant in Big Spring, Texas was the Phillips 66 Truck Stop Cafe and The Stampede (also in BS) is a famous West Texas dance hall. Also, there will be lots of “stampeding” longhorns suspended over the bar at the new place. I also hope the place is “stampeded” by eager guests! And I have a feeling you might be from my “neck of the woods”, calling me Steve.
I can’t wait!!!!! I know if it is your restaurant it will be fantastic.
Very much enjoyed reading the progress report. It makes you feel like an insider and involved in a venture of friends. More pictures in future blogs, please.
Yes, Steve, I am also from Big Spring and graduated a year after you. I had an idea about the 66 and The Stampede and you just confirmed it! A lot of fun and great memories were had in BS and I am pleased how you have incorporated this past into your future endeavor. I send the very best wishes to you and will continue to “follow” you on this blog. When in the area I will gladly drop in and dine and definitely say “hi”!