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    riddle me this

    Culinary fundraiser offers Houston the chance to ask chefs anything

    Eric Sandler
    Jul 22, 2020 | 10:30 am

    A nationwide fundraiser that connects diners with their favorite chefs has come to Houston. Started in New York by food industry veterans Gaeleen Quinn and Anna Polonsky, #AskChefsAnything gives people the opportunity to bid on 30-minute Zoom calls with a mix of local and national culinary personalities, including chefs and media members.

    The auctions run July 23 - 26. Proceeds will benefit a special fund of the Southern Smoke Foundation that’s designated for immigrant hospitality workers in Houston. Bidding starts at $100 per person.

    Participating chefs include three of Houston’s James Beard Award winners — Shepherd, Justin Yu, and Hugo Ortega — as well as Beard nominees like Kaiser Lashkari (Himalaya), Anita Jaisinghani (Pondicheri), Jonny Rhodes (Indigo), Dawn Burrell (Kulture), and Christine Ha (The Blind Goat). Other familiar names include Ryan Lachaine (Riel), Kevin Naderi (Roost), and Kiran Verma (Kiran’s), plus the chefs behind two of this year’s most eagerly anticipated new restaurants: Aaron Bludorn (Bludorn) and Travis McShane (Ostia).

    Celebrities start with Houston hip hop legend Bun B, chef and TV personality Andrew Zimmern, and Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino (the chef-owner of downtown’s Rosalie Italian Soul). Local media personalities include ABC13’s Katherine Whaley, Houston Chronicle food editor Greg Morago, and CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler (aka, me).

    “I think it’s just a cool opportunity for people to get engaged and have a conversation with folks they wouldn’t have the opportunity to or don’t have the opportunity to,” Southern Smoke founder and event participant Chris Shepherd tells CultureMap.

    A person might want to ask Rebecca Masson for the secrets of baking cookies, or a group of aspiring musicians might want Bun B to hear their demo. Ask Whaley about her favorite traffic shortcuts or Tyson Cole when the Houston branch of Uchiko is likely to open.

    Shepherd says he regularly encounters people who want to pick his brain on a variety of topics ranging from cooking techniques to his favorite restaurants. Asked who he thinks might bid on the opportunity to have a 30-minute conversation with him, the chef doesn’t hesitate.

    “If my mom finds out, watch out, she says I don’t call enough,” the chef says with a laugh. “My dad might pay that, ‘just talk to your mom, please.’”

    The event aims to raise at least $7,000 — by comparison, Dallas raised just under $8,700 — and Shepherd says Southern Smoke will certainly utilize every dollar it receives. Even though restaurants across the country have started to reopen, hospitality workers still need emergency assistance with expenses such as housing and medications.

    “Anytime we can put money into it, we’re going to do it,” he says. “We started looking at things, $47 million is what we would need to fund all the people that need it.”

    Jonny Rhodes.

    StarChefs Jonny Rhodes Indigo ash-aged potatoes
      
    Courtesy of StarChefs
    Jonny Rhodes.
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    spring festival season

    Raise a glass to these 8 can't-miss Houston food and wine events

    Robin Sussman
    Apr 21, 2025 | 10:28 am
    Brenner's on the Bayou wine fest
    Courtesy of Brenner's on the Bayou
    Brenner's on the Bayou's wine fest takes place on Derby Day.

    Houston spring event season is rapidly drawing to a close. Before the summer swelter sets in, consider these options that support a charity, include a little road trip, give wine lovers the opportunity to stop and drink the rosés, or become immersed in a week of chef-driven food and wine. No matter what, Houston has people covered with events worth signing up for.

    Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer
    Wednesday, April 23
    This annual event at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston draws 21 chefs from across the Houston area to raise money for Camp H-Town, a charitable organization dedicated to providing children with cancer an “urban camping trip” at the post downtown hotel. Participating restaurants include Balboa Surf Club, Bludorn, Brennan’s of Houston, Guard & Grace, Kriti Kitchen, Nobie’s, and Xochi. Tickets also include wine, beer, and cocktails. A silent auction offers trips, sports tickets, rare bottles of wine, and more. 6-9 pm. Tickets here.

    Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
    Thursday, April 24
    One of the country’s premier traveling culinary events for a cause returns to Houston’s Silver Street Studios, bringing together more than 40 of the city’s best chefs and restaurants to support No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America by the non-profit organization Share Our Strength. Along with delicious bites, guests can expect sips from celebrated winemakers, brewers, and bartenders, along with live music, raffles, interactive games, and cooking demos. This year’s co-chairs include Evelyn Garcia of Jūn, Leonardo Botello IV of Truth BBQ, Alba Huerta of Julep, Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar, and Ryan Pera of Coltivare — all of whom will be serving bites and sips. They’ll be joined by Uchi, The Original Ninfa’s, Perseid, Musaafer, Little Rey, ChópnBlock, BCN, Eunice, The Blind Goat, Phat Eatery, and many more. 6-9 pm. Tickets here.

    Pink and White Party at Guard & Grace
    Friday, April 25
    Guard & Grace Houston is bringing back itsPink and White Party. This vibrant celebration invites Houstonians to sip, savor, and celebrate under a rosy-hued decorated outdoor tent, complete with a live string player to set the mood. Attendees will enjoy tastings of pink, white, and orangewines from 15-plus vendors with sommeliers guiding them through the flavors and pairings. Indulge in an array of curated light bites featuring a raw bar, artisanal charcuterie, signature small plates, and decadent desserts — including chef Troy Guard’s famous warm triple chocolate chip cookies. 4-7 pm.

    Kemah Boardwalk Spring Wine Fest
    Saturday, April 26
    At this annual fest in Kemah, take in ocean breezes, water views, and premium wines from Sonoma County and Napa Valley, California. Attendees can expect live music on the plaza and 24 wineries pouring 72 wines to sample. Also included with ticketed wristbands are small bites from Landry’s Seafood, Saltgrass Steak House, Aquarium restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and the charcuterie tent. Participating wineries include Duckhorn Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, Rodney Strong, Markham Vineyards, Pedroncelli Winery, Stags Leap Winery, Cakebread Cellars, and many more. 2-5 pm. Tickets and details here.

    Brenner’s on the Bayou Wine Fest
    Saturday, May 3
    This year’s annual event on the picturesque grounds of Brenner’s on the Bayou is back with the theme “Derby Down the Bayou.” Along with award-winning wines from more than 10 wineries, food will be provided from these Landy’s restaurants: Brenner’s on the Bayou, Cadillac Bar, King Ranch Texas Kitchen, Willie G’s, Grotto, and a special dessert station from chef Eunice Grassa. Participating wineries include Jordan Winery, Jackson Family Wines, DAOU, Far Niente Wine Estates, Delamotte Champagne, Albert Bichot, and more. The breezy outdoor walk-around tasting includes live music and a Derby hat contest for prizes. Stick around and watch the Kentucky Derby at the Blue Bar at 6 pm. 2:30-5:30 pm. Tickets here.

    Women of Wine Charities Sangria Throwdown!
    Thursday, May 15
    Sangria, the Spanish punch traditionally made with red wine, chopped fruit, and brandy, is a fun way to drink wine. That’s why the Women of Wine Charities have chosen it as the star drink in a creative competition between mixologists for Best Sangria benefitting the Houston Area Women’s Center. At the Throwdown, a panel of media judges will vote for the Judges’ Choice Awards, and guests will vote for the People’s Choice Award. This year’s competitors include Doris Metropolitan, Stella’s Wine Bar, El Meson, Nobie’s, The Library, Reata Cellars, Candelari’s, Guard and Grace, Pacha Nikkei, Lucille’s, Riel, MAD, and 13 Celsius. 6:30-9 pm at Mercedes-Benz Houston Greenway. Tickets include paella and sangria.

    Respect the Rosé Under the Sea Prom Bash at Brennan’s
    Saturday, May 16
    For 2025, the Southern Smoke Foundation’s favorite theme party celebrates ‘80s prom nostalgia with a collaborative dinner at Brennan’s by notable chefs. Cooking with SSF co-founder Chris Shepherd will be Ryan Prewitt of Peche (New Orleans); Stephen Stryjewski of Link Restaurant Group (New Orleans), and Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman of Hog & Hominy (Memphis). A selection of rosés and other wines from Paradigm, Miner Family Wines, and Donelan Wines will be served. 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands
    Wednesday, May 28-Saturday, May 31
    Celebrating 21 years as one of the region’s top culinary events, Wine & Food Week returns with the theme “Crushing It!” Fan favorite events include Wine Around the World Wednesday; Sips, Suds & Savor, Friday night date night; and the all-new Crushing it with Cocktails, a spirited cocktail competition. The week culminates with the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcaseat The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Ballroom, where acclaimed chefs compete for the coveted Chef of Chefs Award and a $5,000 cash prize. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefit charitable organizations such as The Woodlands Arts Council, New Danville, and the Montgomery County Food Bank. Visit the website for the full schedule including participants for each event and ticket options.

    Brenner's on the Bayou wine fest
      

    Courtesy of Brenner's on the Bayou

    Brenner's on the Bayou's wine fest takes place on Derby Day.

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