front and center

Houston fine dining stars and community leaders honored in game-changing Center for Pursuit luncheon

Charles C. Canton, president and CEO of The Center for Pursuit with panel guests: Carlos De Aldecoa Bueno, Isabel and Ignacio Torras, and chef Luis Roger.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

What: “Centered on the Future,” the Center for Pursuit annual luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

The scoop: Hundreds packed the River Oaks Country Club for the annual luncheon benefiting The Center for Pursuit. Themed “Centered on the Future,” the event was chaired by Tracey and John L. Buckley and honored Social Motion Skills, Inc. founder Wendy K. Dawson and acclaimed trial lawyer and community advocate Alistair Dawson.

The diverse, multi-faceted showcase raised $225,000 to directly support The Center for Pursuit’s myriad programs and services for individuals with IDD, autism, and similar conditions.

Center president and CEO Charles C. Canton briefed attendees on the mission of the organization, the future of its new $55 million campus, and the merger with Social Motion Skills, Inc.

Emcee Cyndy Garza Roberts, former director of community impact for Comcast, led interviews with Isabel and Ignacio Torras, the owners of BCN Taste & Tradition, MAD and Rocambolesc; Chef Luis Roger, head chef of BCN Taste & Tradition and MAD; and Carlos De Aldecoa Bueno, president of Cadeco Industries, Eximius Coffee, and Gulf Coast Distillers.

Always affable and generous, Chef Luis assists The Center by teaching cooking classes to its clients. De Aldecoa Bueno is helping to establish Café Nina, a coffee and bagel shop that will soon open at The Center’s new headquarters in Houston’s East End.

An exciting development is The Center and Social Motion Skills, Inc’s recently announced merger, scheduled to become effective July 1. This new partnership aims to create a synergistic progression of services for children to adults with IDD, autism, and similar conditions. The program is considered unparalleled in Houston.

In operation for more than 70 years, The Center has long provided training and services to uplift those with challenges and help them live a fulfilled life. The new facility will now serve approximately 200 Houston-are children, adolescents, and young adults along with more than 450 adults with IDD, autism, and similar conditions.

Who: General counsel for Senator Carol Alvarado, Oscar Aguilar; East End Chamber of Commerce president Frances Dyess Castañeda, Harris County Precinct 6 Constable, Silvia Trevino; The Honorable Christine Weems; Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen; Harris County Precinct 1 assistant chief, Carl Shaw; Houston assistant fire chief, Michelle McLeod; District J Council Member Edward Pollard; Gow Media CEO David Gow and wife, Audrey, and many more.

Wendy and Alistair Dawson receive award from Charles C. Canton.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Wendy and Alistair Dawson receive award from Charles C. Canton.

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Michelin Stars

Superstar Spanish chefs return to Houston for dinners with a purpose

Hope and Opportunity Dinner Texas Children's Hospital

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

Leave it to Houston to blend avant-garde gastronomy with generosity, stirring up a one-two punch of flavor and philanthropy.

Over two intimate evenings, Isabel and Ignacio “Nacho” Torras opened their private home for the Hope and Opportunity Dinners,an affair that embraced the neurodiverse community with epicurean delight.

The dinners, limited to 100 guests per night, were a collaborative recipe honoring the missions of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute and The Genuine Cup, the nonprofit arm of The Genuine Foundation. With a thematic throughline of “Hope” and “Opportunity,” guests were treated to a nine-course menu..

The culinary talent? Flying in from their famed El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, Michelin-starred brothers Joan Roca (head chef) and Jordi Roca (pastry chef), along with sommelier Marta Cortizas, teamed up with chef Luis Roger of Houston’s Michelin-starred BCN Taste & Tradition. The menu, a poetic composition of bold Spanish flavors and delicate textures, was elevated further by thoughtful wine pairings.

Far from a solo act, the Roca brothers worked in sync with some of Houston’s culinary luminaries: Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Mussafer), David Skinner (Eculent), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Mary Cuclis (Kriti Kitchen), and Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó). Service each evening was led by 27 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 10 coaches.

One dinner honored Whitney and Jim Crane, whose Astros Foundation has become a pillar of Houston philanthropy, and Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, whose groundbreaking neuroscience work continues to shape the future of medicine. The second dinner spotlight fell on Laura Arnold, co-founder of Arnold Ventures LLC, and Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, both champions for equity and innovation in their fields.

The evenings ended with cookbook signings by the Roca brothers, a fitting souvenir from two nights where food was both an experience and a vehicle for change. The events raised more than $400,000.

Showing up for science and inclusion were Monica and Yordon Alvarez, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Carlos Correa, Molly and Crownover, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Pam and Keith Fullenweider, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Phoebe Tudor and Tudor, Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, and Penny and Paul Layne.

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

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