Thomas Bille Is Cooking on His Own Terms at Houston's Belly of the Beast

When Thomas Bille was the chef de cuisine of the JW Marriott in downtown Los Angeles, 500 to 700 covers a night was the norm. Between Lakers games and sell-out concerts happening nearby, “it was always put your head down and cook, cook, cook,” says Bille. “I’d be calling out tickets and every once in a while, I’d yell, ‘We’re in the belly of the beast!’ and everyone would be like, ‘Yes chef!’” The...