The State Fair of Texas Celebrity Chef Kitchen is a Fair-fan favorite! Located in the Creative Arts building, the Kitchen hosts popular chefs from some of Texas’ most prominent restaurants as they prepare and share some of their favorite dishes. Sunnye is our seasonal superstar who coordinates with the Chefs and creates the Celebrity Chef schedule.
We wanted to share a little bit more about our host, so this Creative Arts profile highlight is all about Sunnye! Read the fun answers below, and be sure to come and say a big ‘howdy’ to Sunnye this year at the Fair!
All about Sunnye!
“I was born in Denison, TX. My dad’s job moved us to Madison, WI when I was a kid. I moved back to Texas after finishing up grad school and have lived here ever since. I am not a fan of long cold winters. Give me all the long summers! One of my sayings is “You don’t have to shovel the heat.” My husband, Ryan and I celebrated 19 years of marriage this year. We have two kids, Audrey, age 16, and Griffin, age 5. I love hiking, camping, craft beer, long naps, road trips, and being with my family and friends.”
How was your first year as the Celebrity Chef Host?
“It was so much fun! I started filling the nearly 100 chef demonstration spots in June. I spent a good amount of time planning and organizing long before the Fair opened. A majority of the chefs are working every day in kitchens, so helping them to pick a day at the Fair months in advance was no small task. I really loved how excited they were to be featured at the Fair. Once it started, it was a whirlwind three weeks. On Opening Day, 100 demos felt like a huge feat to accomplish. But just as quickly as it started, it was over, and we were wrapping up. I think I slept for a week after!”
What are you looking forward to this year?
“I’m so happy to have a year under my belt. I have stronger relationships with even more chefs, so I’m particularly excited about creating a diverse and dynamic chef line up this year. Plus, I can’t wait to be reunited with all of the Creative Arts staff.”
Favorite Fair food?
“I love the Tornado Taters, with a sprinkling of malt vinegar.”
Have you ever entered in a Creative Arts contest?
“I haven’t, but If I did it would be, in photography. My home is a bit of a private gallery of photos I have taken over the years.”
Favorite type of food? (Non-Fair food)
“I’m all about appetizers. I could easily skip the main course. Bring me the chips and dip, small bites, and salty snacks.”
Do you put ketchup or mustard on your corny dog?
“Both actually. If I can find a vessel for it, I like to mix them together to make a golden sauce. Otherwise, I just drop a line of each down the side of the dog.”
What’s your favorite part about hosting the Celebrity Chef Kitchen?
“All the fun faces. I am a people person, so meeting and getting to know all the chefs, their crews, and the loyal audience members. It’s the best!”
If you could design any butter sculpture, what would it be?
“Hogwarts. I think that would be epic!”
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
“I love to cook, and I have learned so many practical everyday tips from the chef demos. My favorite thing to prepare is pretty much anything on the grill. Burgers, brats, steaks, veggies, you name it. I love to stand over the grill with a craft beer in one hand and the tongs in the other.”
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