Meet Chelsea Sargent Lira | Chef and Owner of Houston Grazing Tables

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Sargent Lira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are a lot more Charcuterie businesses popping up but it does not worry me. There is plenty of people in this amazing city to spread the love! But what makes Houston Grazing Tables so successful is how much we care about our clients. We always go above and beyond to make sure their event is special and the food matches the theme and season. We have so many repeat clients and referrals, and I think that is because they see our passion and how much we really care about them!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ever since I was 11 years old, living in Edinburgh Scotland, I knew I wanted to be a chef. I cooked my parents a 3 course meal for their anniversary. I also attended a school where we did gardening and sold the produce at a farmers markets on Fridays and my grade was responsible for making pizzas to sell in a wood fire oven. I loved farm to table cooking. I was also a very very good golfer, so I ended up going to College on a Golf Scholarship and not attending culinary school. But right out of college, I started working my way up in the restaurant industry. It was hard, I made very little money, but I was happy!!! Now looking at my life, I am so proud of myself. I have the life I always dreamed. I want to encourage as many people as I can to follow their dreams. You can do anything, if you only know what it is!!! So figure out what you love, and become amazing at it. You can monetize anything!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ohhh HOUSTON is amazing!! I am in LOVE with this city!!!!! I would take my bestie to Hermann Park and to a lovely concert at Miller Outdoor Theater. Obviously having a Grazing Box in tow!!! I would have us go to a Drag Brunch at Bar Boheme and enjoy some delicious Frozen Mojitos. The amazing amount of restaurants here in Houston is unheard of!!! There is just so much goodness all around. Phoenicia specialty store in DownTown is also a huge favorite. Go pickup a few shawarma and walk over to Discovery Green. Play some Pokemon Go. Yes I still play! Take the MetroRail and bar hop!!! Notsuoh is a fun bar!! Houston Spelt backwards. I love the new restaurant The Toasted Coconut and its sister Nobies. I mean the list goes on and on!! Houston is EPIC and I am so happy to be here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Stewart deserves a HUGE shoutout!!! He has always told me to Dream Big and I can do anything. I would not have my Buisness or been on Master Chef without his unconditional love and support! He also helps me with the business and is a huge part of our success. Our clients call us a “product” and we work so well together!!! Thank you Stewart Lira. I love you with my whole heart!!!

Website: www.houstongrazingtables.com

Instagram: @houstongrazingtables

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstongrazingtables/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-grazing-tables-houston

Other: TikTok: HoustonGrazingTables

Image Credits
My husband Stewart Lira takes all the photos for our business!