Southern Smoke Festival 2026 Tickets Are On Sale Now

Join us for an unforgettable experience of incredible food, drinks, and community on Saturday, October 3. This year, almost 100 celebrated chefs, beverage professionals, and hospitality visionaries will come together for an afternoon of world-class bites, libations, live music, immersive experiences, and more, all to raise critical funds for emergency relief and mental health support for food and beverage workers nationwide.

Small Icon Times Hover Small Icon Times
Emily
Chef Image
Rivas
Houston, TX /
Josephine's
WHERE WILL I BE COOKING:

Emily Rivas, a Houston native with roots in Sugar Land, is the Pastry Chef at Josephine’s in Houston. A 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Pastry Chef of the Year nominee, she helped Josephine’s earn a top-five ranking on Texas Monthly’s list of the best new restaurants in Texas after its opening in Midtown in July 2023.

Emily’s prior experience includes stints at acclaimed Houston restaurants Georgia James and Bludorn, where she honed her skills as a pastry line cook. A graduate of the prestigious Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, her culinary journey was kindled by cherished moments spent baking and cooking with her family.

Beyond the kitchen, Emily finds joy in spending time with her dog and proudly embracing her Taylor Swift fandom.