Chef Kadir Aktas Represents Herb & Ember at the 2026 Lone Star Tapas Showdown

At Ferah Hospitality Group, we are proud to celebrate an incredible culinary achievement by Chef Kadir Aktas, Lead Chef at Herb & Ember, who earned second place at Lone Star Tapas Showdown - a premier Texas culinary competition highlighting creativity, technique, and innovation among talented chefs from across the state.

Representing Herb & Ember, a Ferah Hospitality Group concept, Chef Kadir brought his international culinary experience, passion for exceptional presentation, and dedication to creating memorable dishes to the competition stage. His original tapa creation, “Midnight Garden,” showcased his ability to thoughtfully combine unique ingredients and create a beautifully balanced culinary experience.

Chef Kadir’s second-place finish is a proud moment for Herb & Ember and the entire Ferah Hospitality Group team, celebrating the talent and dedication that continue to shape our culinary family.

The Lone Star Tapas Showdown: A Celebration of Texas Culinary Talent

The Lone Star Tapas Showdown brings together chefs from across Texas to compete in a showcase of culinary creativity, skill, and innovation. The competition challenges chefs to create an original tapa that highlights exceptional flavor, artistic presentation, and thoughtful technique.

For Chef Kadir, the competition was an opportunity to represent Herb & Ember and Ferah Hospitality Group while sharing his unique culinary perspective with fellow chefs, industry professionals, and competition judges.

His second-place recognition reflects his dedication to the craft of cooking and his ability to transform carefully selected ingredients into a dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Chef Kadir Aktas’ “Midnight Garden” Tapa Creation

For the Lone Star Tapas Showdown, Chef Kadir created an original tapa titled “Midnight Garden,” a dish inspired by balance, creativity, and the beauty found in nature.

The creation features a crispy wonton tartlet with whipped goat cheese mousse, shalgam jelly, truffle honey-glazed lobster meat, glazed garden peas, and edible flowers. Each component was carefully chosen to create a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, floral, and tangy flavors.

From the delicate edible flowers to the rich truffle honey-glazed lobster, “Midnight Garden” highlights Chef Kadir’s attention to detail and his passion for creating dishes that are both visually stunning and memorable.

Meet Chef Kadir Aktas

Chef Kadir Aktas’ culinary journey began in Turkey, where his passion for food and hospitality inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary arts at a young age. His love for delicious food, gorgeous plating, and outstanding hospitality helped him quickly advance throughout his career.

His culinary experience spans across the world, including chef positions at full-service hotels in Istanbul, Turkey, and Moldova. These experiences helped shape his approach to cuisine and his appreciation for global flavors and techniques.

Today, Chef Kadir serves as the Lead Chef at Herb & Ember, bringing his international experience, culinary expertise, and commitment to excellence to the Ferah Hospitality Group team.

When he isn’t working with the Herb & Ember culinary team, Chef Kadir enjoys spending time with his wife and young son while exploring the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Watch Chef Kadir’s Lone Star Tapas Showdown Entry Video

Want to see the inspiration and craftsmanship behind Chef Kadir’s competition dish?

Watch Chef Kadir Aktas’ Lone Star Tapas Showdown entry video to see the preparation, creativity, and artistry behind his second-place tapa, “Midnight Garden.”

Watch Here

A Proud Achievement for Herb & Ember and Ferah Hospitality Group

We are incredibly proud of Chef Kadir Aktas for earning second place at the Lone Star Tapas Showdown. His passion for culinary excellence, creativity, and hospitality continues to represent the values at the heart of Herb & Ember and Ferah Hospitality Group.

This achievement is a celebration of Chef Kadir’s talent and dedication, as well as the passion our entire culinary team brings to every experience we create.

Congratulations, Chef Kadir, on this incredible accomplishment!

Experience Herb & Ember

Inspired by the passion and culinary excellence showcased by Chef Kadir Aktas at the Lone Star Tapas Showdown? Experience it for yourself at Herb & Ember, an upscale dining destination in Garland, Texas, brought to you by Ferah Hospitality Group. Known for its bold American-style cuisine with global influences, expertly crafted cocktails, and elevated hospitality, Herb & Ember delivers unforgettable dining experiences for every occasion.

Whether you're joining us for dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, or your next special celebration, you'll discover the same commitment to quality, creativity, and exceptional hospitality that Chef Kadir brings to our culinary team every day. Reserve your table today and experience one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's premier destinations for modern American dining.

Book Your Table Now