Thirteen by James Harden Brings in Chef from One of World’s Best Restaurants to Elevate Houston Dining Experience

Houston, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Thirteen, the renowned Midtown Houston restaurant owned by NBA superstar James Harden, has recently undergone a stunning transformation. From the lavish decor to the centerpiece bar, the changes are sweeping and beautiful, but none are having a greater impact than the exquisite new dishes meticulously crafted by its award-winning international chef, Sidd Cadena.

Chef Sidd has journeyed from Texas to international acclaim, creating extraordinary culinary experiences and leaving a trail of accolades along the way. Before taking the helm at Thirteen, he spent the past 10 years in Asia, working the past two years with esteemed Chef Gaggan Anand at Gaggan in Bangkok, which was just ranked No.9 in the World and No. 3 in Asia at the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards!

As the Executive Chef at Thirteen by James Harden, Sidd —who prefers to be recognized without the formal chef title – brings 22 years of culinary expertise and global influences to the heart of Midtown Houston with a new Thirteen experience that ignites the senses and takes diners on a culinary adventure of extraordinary cuisine.

Early in his career, Sidd apprenticed and worked in some of Europe’s most established kitchens before returning to the United States to attend culinary school. After graduating, he spent another year in Europe before relocating to Asia, where he spent the next decade absorbing the culture and cuisine. His journey in Asia culminated in Bangkok, where he worked with Chef Gaggan Anand and his team on a 25-course tasting menu that pushed the boundaries of culinary artistry.

Sidd’s international experience includes tenure at some of the finest restaurants in the world. He served apprenticeships under distinguished chefs worldwide, including Chef Joel Robuchon in Paris, France, and Chef Jordi in Barcelona, Spain. He has also worked as a chef, consultant, and project/operations director with renowned Michelin Star restaurants and multicultural projects from Alaska to Rome, Shanghai, Bangkok, South Korea, and Singapore, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chinese Culinary Association.

Sidd’s diverse culinary foundation and arsenal of multicultural flavors and techniques have created an exciting world-class dining experience Thirteen. The entire menu reflects Sidd’s global expertise and love for creating culinary experiences guests simply cannot find anywhere else. The menu is a beautiful blend of Japanese and American flavors with playful international plating that push the culinary envelope with fresh, amazing flavor combinations and exquisite dishes that showcase Sidd’s culinary genius.

The dinner menu features an enchanting array of Cold Plates like Hamachi Ceviche Tacos (three tacos in a nori shell, chili aioli, smoked Hamachi) and Hot Plate offerings such as chef’s masterful House Made Dumplings with Lobster and Prawn, Mushroom, and Wagyu Beef. The Donburi, specialty rice bowls, includes choices like Vegetable & Daikon, and Teriyaki Salmon (charred pineapple, seafood fried rice, and Salmon Roe) served with Miso broth and Japanese rice.

Chef Sidd’s Composed Plates feature distinctive must-try offerings including Lobster & Scallops with Black Forbidden Rice, caviar, and chive oil; Chilean Sea Bass with ginger and Mirin Beurre Blanc with charred broccolini; and Japanese Wagyu Flatbread with avocado, yuzu aioli, and baby spinach. The menu also offers chef’s unique twist on traditional steak house fare with three select Shio Koji & Miso Marinated Steaks, including an 8oz USDA Black Angus Filet Mignon, an 18oz USDA Bone-in Ribeye, and a phenomenal 14oz Snake River Farms Wagyu New York Strip, served with Bok Choy, carrots, and pickled onions marinade.

Thirteen has also just introduced a new Sunday Brunch where guests can sample a delightfully diverse menu of Sidd’s creations from Hennessy Banana Caramel Waffles (featuring chocolate and chocolate chip waffles with bananas, brownie pieces, and whipped cream) to Dan Dan Noodles (ramen noodles, chili sauce, aged white cheddar, sesame oil, garlic, Onsen egg), to a savory Wagyu Patty Melt or melt-in-your-mouth Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops.

In Chef Sidd’s hands, food becomes art, and every flavorful bite of the new dining experience at Thirteen shares the passion and dedication of a chef whose culinary journey knows no bounds. His world-class menus at Thirteen are continually evolving, featuring a gorgeous array of global flavors that are accompanied by a full custom cocktail program from some of Houston’s top mixologists and a boutique wine list curated by an award-winning sommelier.

Thirteen by James Harden, located at 1911 Bagby Street in Midtown, is a premiere destination experience in culinary excellence and refined luxury. Thirteen, which officially opened in March 2021, was founded on NBA All-Star James Harden’s passion for excellent food and wine and a vision to bring something fresh and unique to the industry and the city he loves. Since its initial launch, Harden’s global travels have inspired a re-imagined vision for Thirteen that now shares a celebration of the flavors, art, culture, and hospitality excellence of some of his favorite international experiences, as well as the talents of rare gems like Chef Sidd, with Houston!

Reservations for Thirteen by James Harden are highly recommended. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability. For Brunch and Dinner reservations and more information, please visit  13htx.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Sherrie Handrinos at [email protected] or 734-341-6859.