Flavors Unknown

From Pitmaster to Top Chef: Michelle Wallace’s BBQ Story

Chef Michelle Wallace

Today on Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Michelle Wallace — a trailblazing chef and pitmaster who has redefined what it means to cook with fire and soul in the world of Texas barbecue. From her roots in St. Louis to her rise in Houston’s culinary scene, Michelle has crafted a fearless voice in a male-dominated space, fusing traditional barbecue with bold multicultural influences drawn from African, Asian, and Indian cuisines.
We talk about her journey to the pit, her innovative flavor philosophy, her time on Top Chef, and the legacy she’s building—one smoky, soulful bite at a time.

What you'll learn from Chef Michelle Wallace

2:30 – The moment Michelle Wallace's father sparked her love for barbecue
3:08 – Why working at Gatlin’s BBQ felt like a “full-circle” milestone
3:20 – Mentors who shaped Michelle Wallace culinary path, including Leah Chase and Rodney Scott
4:34 – How Houston’s cultural mosaic influences her approach to barbecue
6:11 – Her belief that women bring unique patience and detail to the pit
6:55 – The pioneering female pitmasters whose stories inspire her
8:00 – The one signature dish that defines her cooking style
9:28 – Her preferred wood for smoking—and why it matters
11:16 – How Michelle Wallace reverse-engineers flavor starting from the final plate
11:42 – A funny moment of self-doubt when she got hired
12:57 – How her athletic mindset fuels her “go big or go home” kitchen mentality
13:12 – The challenges barbecue kitchens face around toxic culture
14:30 – Real talk: Her advice for young women entering the culinary world
15:47 – Examples of her delicious cultural fusion dishes
17:55 – Her flexible “here’s what I’ve got for today” menu approach
19:16 – Why local farmers’ markets are her creative playground
20:04 – The value of building real relationships with growers
20:32 – How she balances crowd-pleasers with seasonal availability
23:22 – The mental strain of competing on Top Chef without outside contact
24:33 – Why the fine dining challenge pushed her hardest
26:20 – Michelle Wallace’s favorite food stops on a Houston culinary tour
28:00 – Her ultimate barbecue plate, revealed
28:34 – What makes her mac and cheese a showstopper
29:01 – A barbecue indulgence you need to try
29:12 – How she finds the perfect balance in her sauces
29:33 – Her go-to guilty pleasures, from drive-thru to gourmet
30:46 – Who she dreams of collaborating with
31:47 – A powerful life lesson she carries from her father

A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar.

Publication date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Pre-order the book here!

“Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry.

Get the book here!

Links to other episodes with chefs in Houston

Don't miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with chef from Houston.

Conversation with Chef Aaron Bludorn

Conversation with Chef Chris Shepherd

Chef Drake Leonards – Eunice

Baker Matthieu Cabon – Magnol French Baking