What: I'll Have What She's Having Father's Day Cookout
Where: Last Concert Cafe
What: A little rain couldn't dampen the spirits of attendees at this second annual event, which raised over $10,000 to fund preventive medical care for uninsured restaurant workers. The event honored Liz Fenton, a food writer and passionate culinary enthusiast who volunteered for numerous charitable causes.
Chef E.J. Miller (International Smoke) fulfilled the backyard barbecue theme by smoking a decadent wagyu brisket from Strube Ranch. Mallory Buford (Tacos a Go Go, Fajitas a Go Go) prepared fire-roasted chicken matched with sauces created by Alvin Schultz (Eat. Drink. Experience!). Justin Yu (Theodore Rex) stewed summer vegetables with Alubia Blanca beans and a cucumber-cabbage slaw with mushroom vinaigrette utilized produce from local farms Loam Agronomics and Johnson’s Backyard Garden. For dessert, Otto Sanchez and Matt Cabon (Magnol French Baking) created key lime pie and toasted baguette ice creams.
"Women's health is extremely important to me," Miller said in a statement. "I have had the opportunity to work with some very influential women of our industry, and they have truly shaped who I am today. Women ought to have access to the health care that they need, as well as the right to choose what is best for their bodies and wellbeing."
A volunteer team assembled by Chris Poldoian (Camerata), Lisa Seger (Blue Heron Farms), Elaine Dillard (Rockin Star Ranch), and Valerie Trasatti helped serve up tasty beverages from a host of sponsors, including Saint Arnold, GinMare, Tequila Patrón, Drink Ramona, and Hoxie.
Credit for the impressive fundraising total belongs to the bidders who snapped up a range of highly-coveted silent auction items. They included dinner for 10 prepared by Schultz with wine pairings by sommelier Cat Nguyen, dinner for four at Theodore Rex, a grab bag of swag and gift certifications from several barbecue joints, and a combination of classes taught by Bobby Heugel (martini making), Morgan Weber (butchery), and French baking (Sanchez).
Who: IHWSH co-founder Dr. Lori Choi, Jonathan Beitler, Hal Brock, Racheal Buie, Matt Harris and Leigh McBurnett, Angela Shah and James Brock, Linda Salinas, Ben Quasius, Kate McLean, Dawn Burrell, Gin Braverman and Bret Whitacre.
Mary Ellen Angel, Dr. Damla Karsan, Ersen Erdemir.
