Artist in Residence 2025 | Elite 99 West | Houston, TX
Shelby Cross
Shelby Cross is a Houston-based private chef, culinary artist and community curator whose work is rooted in the belief that food is more than nourishment—it is a form of storytelling, healing and celebration. Drawing inspiration from her Southern heritage, lived experiences and a deep love for gathering people around the table, Cross specializes in feel-good, flavor-forward cooking that is intentional, vibrant, reimagined, beautifully presented and grounded in heart-centered hospitality.
She is the founder of The Tasting Haus, a culinary concept and creative studio designed to connect community through immersive food events, premium pairings and curated experiences that nourish both body and soul. Cross has built her career offering private dining, catering and interactive cooking classes, while also serving youth and families through culinary camps, workshops and enrichment programming.
Now serving as the culinary artist in residence in Houston for Elite 99 West, Cross brings her vibrant culinary perspective to residents through hands-on classes, themed tastings, seasonal gatherings and culturally inspired events. Her mission is to make people feel seen, celebrated and connected—one plate, one pour and one powerful moment at a time.
