Last week, a fire destroyed Houston restaurant My Dee Dee's Deli and Pie Shoppe. While the name of this Northside cafe may not be as widely well known as House of Pies or Flying Saucer Pie Company, anyone who's sampled the classic pies at Barbecue Inn can testify to My Dee Dee's deliciousness.
To make matters worse, owner Bella-Katharine Curtis's home, which was adjacent to the shop but not damaged by the fire, was burglarized the day after the fire in late November.
As Houston chefs heard about the damage and that Curtis hadn't insured the property, they sprang into action to help rebuild the local favorite. First, Kraftsmen Baking owner Scott Tycer donated a month of kitchen space to Curtis so that she can continue baking. To aid in the rebuilding, Fluff Bake Bar owner Rebecca Masson, Roost Bistro owner Kevin Naderi and Randy Evans of Haven joined forces to organize a benefit that will be held Saturday (Dec. 7) from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Haven restaurant in Upper Kirby.
"It was heartbreaking to hear of Bella's shop burning down," Masson said in a statement. "She has been baking pies for over 22 years - they are a Houston institution."
But knowing that simply helping a business owner isn't always a way to attract a crowd, organizers are playing the ultimate trump card: really good barbecue. For the first time, Ronnie Killen will be selling his celebrated smoked meat inside the loop.
For $50, attendees will get a plate of Killen's barbecue and beer from local favorite St. Arnold. Even without paying, everyone is invited to attend to browse the bake sale and silent auction items put together by a who's who of Houston chefs including Chris Shepherd of Underbelly, Randy Evans of Haven, Kevin Naderi of Roost and pastry chefs Samantha Mendoza from Triniti, Johnny Wesley of Mr. Peeples, and former Textile chef Plinio Sandalio who's now at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin.
Looking for some pampering? A silent auction from the Hotel Zaza offers a one night’s stay for two in a “Mag 7” suite, dinner for two at the hotel's Monarch restaurant and a spa treatment for two.
Watch the video from KHOU below, in which Masson and Naderi discuss the fundraiser.
Chefs and bakers from across Houston are contributing to a fundraising event this Saturday at Haven.
