photos c/o Thomas Garza
The social season is in full swing and as a result I am so behind in bringing you the scoop from the scene. Better late than never, right. I attended the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefitting KidLinks on February 27, 2017 at the newly renovated and renamed Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station and was so impressed with the spectacular event that Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events produced. This culinary evening was led by Honorary Chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea and Honorary Chef Chair, Salvatore Gisellu with Urban Family Restaurants. The unforgettable night began with an hors d’oeuvres reception featuring Rising Star Chefs: Jan Loov of Texas Spice, Benjamin Maulsby of Happiest Hour, and Juan Orocio of 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. DSQ Electric provided a live musical performance from the balcony in the Stationmasters Lounge lending a romantic flavor to the start of the night.
Guests then entered the ballroom for a seated 4-course dinner prepared tableside by Featured Chefs (see complete list below) and each course of the evening was paired with wine selected by winemaker Willem Johnson of 4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery and a specialty cocktail using luxury cognac Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège crafted by Joshua Hendrix, Hennessy Brand Mixologist. Each of the 24 tables had a designated chef and each chef prepared their own unique menu tableside. Each of the 240 guests truly had a unique experience getting to see their chef in his or her element, preparing a specialty menu just a few feet from where they sat! DSQ Electric played throughout dinner providing guests with a wide array of musical offerings from classical to pop. Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee for the evening and even got in on the action when she joined Tim Willett on stage for the culinary experiences live auction. Their job was made easier after guests viewed a beautiful video called “Griffin’s Song”, bringing KidLinks’ work to life through the eyes of one young patient.
The evening concluded with a decadent dessert reception by incredible Pastry Chefs Dunia Borga of LaDuni Baking Studio, Tina Miller of Proper Baking Company, and Tida Pichakron + Gianni Santin of Haute Sweets Patisserie. Attendees left with a custom cookbook featuring recipes from each of the participating chefs. Hamilton A Sneed and the team at HAS Events truly took this evening to new heights, making the 7th anniversary of Symphony of Chefs exciting for all in attendance. The event was made possible in part by Presenting Sponsors: Mason & Allen Custard, Emily & Bruce Robson and Kaari & James Wicklund. Funds raised from the evening will support KidLinks efforts to provide healing experiences for the special needs of children through the therapeutic power of music - a unique mission that seeks to enrich the lives of children everywhere through songs of health, healing and happiness.
CHEFS HORS D’OUEVRES RECEPTION – RISING STAR CHEFS by course Jan Loov, Texas Spice Benjamin Maulsby, Happiest Hour Juan Orocio, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery
COURSED DINNER – FEATURED CHEFS Kevin Ashade, Celebrity Chef Andrew Bell, Saint Ann’s Justin Box, The Cedars Social Richard Chamberlain, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House Robert James Clifford, Nick & Sam’s Tiffany Derry, The Cupboard by Tiffany Derry Fitzgerald Dodd, Celebrity Chef Francesco Farris, Zio Cecio Salvatore Gisellu, Urban Family Restaurants Gorji, Canary by Gorji Joshua Troy Harmon, Kitchen LTO Josh Healy, Filament Chad Houser, Café Momentum Nick Hurry, Proof+Pantry Uno Immanivong, Chino Chinatown John Kleifgen, Nick & Sam’s Park Cities Dan Landsberg, Dragonfly Juan Orocio, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery Ken Patrick, Celebrity Chef Jared Robinette, Le Bilboquet Jeramie Robison, Uchi Dallas Steven Torbron, Asador Jacob Williamson, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck Yutaka Yamato, Yutaka Sushi Bistro
DESSERT RECEPTION – PASTRY CHEFS Duni Borga, LaDuni Latin Cafe Tina Miller, Proper Baking Company Tida Pichakron + Gianni Santin, Haute Sweets Patisserie
For decades, KidLinks has provided healing experiences for the special needs of children through performing arts and media. The support of donors has enabled KidLinks’ musicians to perform in hospitals and special care centers across the country, has funded university-level Music Therapy training and has provided free/low cost treatment programs for children in need. Through Therapeutic Music Entertainment and clinical Music Therapy programming, KidLinks is guaranteeing access to all children of any ability level. Funds raised go directly to the creation of content for the Hugworks Children’s Network (HCN) – content that can improve the daily experiences of children when they need it most as well as provide educational resources for the adults who care for them. Learn more by visiting KidLinks online.