Executive Chef & Owner Drake Leonards brings Eunice to Houston

A man with short brown hair, beard, and mustache, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt and a dark apron, standing in a bright room with windows and green outdoor scenery.

As a Louisiana native, Drake’s culinary journey began in New Orleans, where he developed a deep appreciation for the local food-ways before advancing his training at Manhattan’s Michelin-starred Café Boulud. Eager to further refine his passion, he spent two years in Germany’s Black Forest under the mentorship of Chef Karl-Joseph Fuchs. During this time, he cooked and dined extensively through the French, Italian, and English countrysides, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions and regional specialties.

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In 2018, Drake opened Eunice, named after his hometown, to critical acclaim. While artfully blending Louisiana flavors with refined European techniques he earned a Best New Restaurant nomination, a three-star review from James Beard Award-winning critic Alison Cook, and was named a Rising Star Chef by StarChefs.

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Today, he resides in Houston with his wife and two children. Here, he remains dedicated to supporting local farmers, fishermen and ranchers, ensuring he contributes to the city’s vibrant and evolving culinary scene and continuing his passion for cooking and bringing warm hospitality to the table.

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