With all the buzz surrounding Chef Michael Pellegrino's positioning as head honcho at the relatively new Anjeo restaurant, the March of Dimes couldn't have picked a more interesting locale for the kick-off of its popular Signature Chefs gala. The real deal takes place Oct. 29 at the Hilton Americas-Houston but Thursday night was party time for MOD.
Signature Chefs gala co-chair Rachel Regan, and auction co-chairs Marcie Berry and Heather Layton and March of Dimes Texas state director Darcie Champagne Wells welcomed the merry throng. (Michelle L. Smith, who chairs the gala with Regan, was unable to attend).
While there was plenty of wine for sipping, Anjeo's already-legendary margaritas were a popular libation, all used to wash down offerings from the haute Tex-Mex kitchen. Pellegrino was joined in the chef's spotlight by Arnaldo Richards of Pico's. The star chef of the October benefit, Charles Clark, was busy this night in his kitchen at Ibiza, where Thursday night always means a packed house.
As culinary honoree Clark will share the fame with medical honoree Dr. Huda Zoghbi, corporate honoree Texas Children's Hospital and community honorees Cynthia and Tony Petrello.
Guests revving their engines in anticipation of the great foodie night (as many as 25 chefs competing for top honors) included Tom Regan, Robert Berry, Tara and David Wuthrich, Jan Fawcett, Mandy Butler, Dana Dailey, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Gina Curtis and Jim Pearson, Jan Carson and Tim Connolly and Vanessa Sendukas.
Ron Juwa, from left, Jean Radelat and Don Weissman.
