It was the perfect coming together — over 200 hungry guests and more than 20 chefs tableside cooking up a storm. The occasion was KidLinks 16th Annual Symphony Of Chefs on Monday, February 23, at Irving’s Astoria Event Venue. In addition to the cuisine and fun of watching the chefs at work, the night included a live auction that ranged from a five-course dinner prepared by five of the chefs to a one-week getaway for 10 to Nantucket’s The Pleasant Pearl. A highlight of the night was KidLinks Founder Jim Newton recognizing Grammy-nominated musician Paul G. Hill, who had been so supportive of the program since KidLinks start in 1983. Here’s a report from the field:
Symphony of Chefs Event Co-Chairs Lisa Sides and Eric Peters, along with Honorary Chef Co-Chairs Jennie Kelley and Brandon Moore, chefs and co-owners of Fond and KidLinks Board Chair/President Stuart Sides were joined by 220 attendees at the 16th Annual Symphony of Chefs on Monday, February 23, at 6 p.m. at the Astoria Event Venue in Irving. More than $175,000 was raised benefiting KidLinks, a nonprofit organization committed to linking kids to healing, hope and happiness through music and media.
Upon arrival, partygoers mingled as they enjoyed wine, cocktails and appetizers created by featured hors d’oeuvre Chef Sezer Deniz, director of culinary at The Joule and CBD Provisions. The delicious offerings included pimento cheese toast on sourdough with arugula and pickled sweet peppers; gulf shrimp escabeche with charred corn, roasted piquillo peppers and avocado mousse; and short rib croquetas featuring Texas Waygu short rib, smoked gouda cheese and cilantro aioli.
DJ Yojina provided a cool vibe as partygoers perused the silent auction with top bids going to packages, such as a two-night stay for two at Hotel Jerome in Aspen with breakfast; dinner for six at Nick And Sam’s with baseball Hall of Famer Eric Nadel; an exclusive Dallas in-home wine tasting experience with Karin Clark of Kistler Vineyards, including a beautiful charcuterie board courtesy of The Pilgrim Bakery; a two-night weekday stat at La Palmilla Resort and Retreat in Glen Rose, Texas; a chef experience for four at Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish with craft cocktails, fine wine and a four-course food tasting; an unforgettable culinary journey for up to 10 guests with Chef Nikky featuring wine pairings, a hands-on summer rolls class and flavor Pad Thai cooking demo; an Urban Crust mobile pizza oven party and more…