Chef-centric chic-chow events benefiting local charities continue to grow in popularity.
Kudos to the chefs who give their time and energy to the fundraisers. Sure, they and their restaurants gain exposure through them, but some of the chefs are well-known enough already so a giving-back spirit abides.
Check out the talents and cuisine of some local chefs at two charity events this month.
The 22nd annual Great Chefs Tasting Party benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida takes place Nov. 14 from 4-7pm at Palm Beach’s Colony Hotel.
The event—with honorary chairpersons Dick and Sally Robinson, emcee Rob Russell and entertainment by The Switzer Trio—features a culinary-tasting cornucopia thanks to area restaurants and chefs.
Participants include The Palm Beach Steakhouse, Talay Thai, Havana Hideout, the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Someone’s in the Kitchen, Leila Restaurant, A Matter of Taste, A Sweet Life Cakery, Field of Greens, Chef John’s Bistro and Blues Bar, Polo Steakhouse and Kubo.
If you go, you can help select a winning chef for the “People’s Choice” award. Event judges will determine “Best Appetizer,” “Best Entree,” “Best Dessert” and “Best Presentation.”
Tickets to the Great Chefs Tasting Party are $85 in advance, $100 at the door. Tickets for a 3-4 p.m. VIP reception are $200 apiece and must be purchased in advance.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 357-7779 or visit www.ucpsouthflorida.org.
On Nov. 18, Seagull Industries for the Disabled kicks off the first in a series of luncheons highlighted by chef demonstrations.
At Palm Beach’s Cafe Boulud, Chef Zach Bell and Pastry Chef Arnaud Chavigny will demonstrate how to prepare holiday-oriented dishes.
Chef Bell, no stranger to doing his part for nonprofits he supports, says dishes will include curried cream of cauliflower and apple soup, and tagine of chicken with green olives and preserved Meyer lemon.
The Nov. 18 luncheon, which begins at 11 a.m., includes lunch, valet parking and recipes to take home.
Cost: $125 a person. For information, call 848-5814 or visit www.seagull.org.