Who Said Food Porn Is Dead?

Don't think so.  Just take a look at the 2011 North Texas Food Bank/Kent Rathbun/Central Market calendar.  13 months of pictures and recipes that will leave you wet drooling.  With photos by Pat Haverfield, Central Market underwriting and Kent's impeccable, 5-star sense of style, it's absolutely orgasmic delicious that 100% of the proceeds go to help feed the hungry.   Each month features an Elements by Kent Rathbun ingredient, and there is an accompanying coupon for purchasing same ingredient during the month.  So in a way, you get paid back for good food porn behavior.   Available November 16th at the Dallas and Plano Central Markets as well as http://www.ntfb.org/ , $19.95.

I need a cigarette and a glass of wine now, please.

Eat Pancakes For Hillcrest High School

This has become such a fun community event for parents, teachers, alumni and students, we are very excited to announce the

6th Annual Panther Pancake Breakfast at Sevy's Grill on Sunday, October 24th.  

100% of all income goes to fund Hillcrest High School programs.  This years beneficiaries are HHS Theater and HHS Panader Booster clubs.

Anyhow, here's the deets:  Everyone is welcome, but tickets are by reservation only due to limited seating, cost is (still only) $10 per person for a fixed-menu:  fresh fruit cup, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and choice of coffee, tea, milk or juice.  We will be serving breakfast from 9:00 am until Noon, to make your reservation contact AHillcrestMom@aol.com (Amy Severson) with the TIME you want to come and the NUMBER of peeps in your party.  I will save you a spot.

It's a great kickoff for homecoming week, especially since I'm not working on the PTSA Parade-gang this year (moved to fund raising, yum).   Last year we had a very large alumni group from the 1960's spread over 4 tables in the front.  They had so much fun we didn't think they were going to leave. 

Cattle Baron's Report: More Success, Less Hangover

Jeff Barker and Richard
Chamberlain

Last years Cattle Baron's Ball will go down in infamy, not for it's title, "Honor of Cowboys", but for the flood of rain that moved everyone into leaking tents, including the bands.   But at this weekends Ball, all was laughs and fun recountings, the mildewed odor of ruined leather blown away by the incredible event hosted by this years Committee.   "Need a ride home?", Taylor Allday asked the chefs, referring to the ride he gave Richard Chamberlain last year, leaving the rest of us to dig a limo out of the mud until 3 am.  Thanks Taylor, this year we all drove separately - and drank a lot less.

This years "The Great State Fair" was a brilliantly crafted showcase of all things amusing - State Fair-wise - carny games, cotton candy and an actual ferris wheel.  Mother Nature gave us a beautiful light show early in the evening with a stunning cloudless sunset, and after dark a fireworks display lit up the sky (word has it the fireworks were purchased as a gift from a husband to a wife on the Committee, but this is unconfirmed at this writing).   With the lights and the beautiful evening you could really believe you were, well, maybe not at THE State Fair, but at a small county fair, somewhere in Texas.   A small county fair with Jack Ingram and Allan Jackson providing the live music, that is.

It seemed as if the live auction bidding started out a little slow, it may have been because attendees were having too much FUN and enjoying too much FOOD (brisket, enchiladas,

Jim "Sevy" Severson, Kevin Garvin,
Richard Chamberlain

corny dogs, hush puppies, tacos) to wander over to the stage.  But by the time the annual Chefs Package came up, bidding was heating up.   This year "The BBQ Boys" as they were listed (Richard Chamberlain, Kevin Garvin, David Holben, Kent Rathbun and Jim Severson) added former Dallas-ite Kevin Rathbun, the band Collective Soul and Kosta Browne Winery to their private barbecue party for 30 people. 

And the bidding was steep, their package auctioned for $50,000, twice, adding a cool $100,000 to the over $1.5 million the Chefs package has raised to date over the last 20 years.  At the end of the Live Auction, everyone refilled their drinks before the bars closed down and meandered over to their tables in front of Allan Jackson's performance stage.   Sevy and I (not being huge country music fans) decided to beat the end-of-party rush.   Perhaps a vestige memory of last years conclusion in the back of our minds, we collected our gift bags, put the top down on the convertible and enjoyed a nicely uneventful drive home from Plano.

My Fondest Educational Dream Comes True

No, not the one where the DMN gives Dr. Hinojosa unqualified credit for bringing up our schools.  The other dream, the one where DISD schools get salad bars. 

Stopped by the Greenville Whole Foods after shopping at Half Price Books (purchased The Secrets of the Jennivine Restaurant by Jennifer Messina), and at checkout they asked if I'd like to make a donation to Project Salad Bar?

"Whassat?"  I asked, maybe fuzzy from the four white wines I'd sampled while buying dinner ingredients.  "We're trying to raise enough money to put salad bars in seven Dallas schools," nice checkout lady said.  The only elementary school they were sure of is Jill Stone at Vickery Meadows Elementary (DISD).

Thank you, Whole Foods, for opening the gates to better eating for kids all over.

Dallas Zoo Is Getting "Cheesy"

They're having their annual photography contest at the Dallas Zoo, "Feathers Furs and Scales" entries may be submitted until September 30, 2010.  The $15 entry fee lets you submit up to three 8 x 10 photos just attach an entry form, here. 

Four categories eligible to win, Children (to age 12), Junior (13-18), Novice (beginner/nonprofessional) and Advanced, awards given to First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention as well as a Grand Prize winner. 

Savanna Smiles at the Dallas Zoo

Last night was the Patron/Preview party of the new Savanna exhibit - 11 acres put to very good use.  A cheetah interacted with the toddlers, through the glass, all the kids thought "Kitty" was playing, all the parents looked up to see how tall the enclosure was.  The elephants have an amazing setting, three waterfalls and so much land.  And the giraffes can give you a kiss as you walk by!

I met some people for the first time and saw some old friends.  Mayor Leppert was there (met him), Sheffie Kadane (sorry if I offended when I asked if you were on the Council), Linda Koop (Hillcrest HS grad).  David Holben brought his kids, they help every year at the Zoo-To-Do fundraiser.  And I will forever think of the three cheetahs as Ellen Winspear's big cats, here kitty, kitty.

Here's the pictures!

Who Doesn't Love A Great Deal?

Especially when it helps a great group of kids.  Online auction happening now for the University Park United Methodist Church Youth Music & Mission.  Mavericks tickets, Byron Nelson tickets, Ziziki's, ooh, a Flavors From Afar Tasting Party - there are some pretty good discounts going so far. 

They have a goal of $60,000 to send the Aldersgate Chorale on tour to Washington D.C. and New York City in June 2010 and to support junior and senior high 2011 mission trips.

Of course it's the last few minutes of these things that get crazy, bidding ends on April 7th.  Don't wait, buy it now and pay the full value to help a good cause.

DISCLOSURE:  This is not my church.  You don't have to be a member of this church to bid and possibly get a great deal.

Drink Of Water For UNICEF

Maybe you're one of the generations who spent after school on Halloween assembling a little cardboard box, then screaming at neighbors as they opened their doors "TRICK OR TREAT FOR UNICEF!!!", shaking the coins enclosed.   In my neighborhood everyone had a plate of pennies beside the bowl of candy, popcorn balls or caramel apples (candy safety wasn't an issue back then).

Well, we promise not to scream, but March 21st through March 27th (World Water Week) Sevy's Grill will be participating in UNICEF's Tap Project along with thousands of restaurants across the country.  As a guest, you will have the opportunity to "purchase" a glass of tap water for a $1 (or more if you wish) donation.  

All funds raised support UNICEF's water, sanitation and hygiene programs, bringing clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.  Nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to safe, clean water-and almost half of those people are children.

For the 4th year Chef Ken Rathbun is the Dallas spokesperson. 

IT'S HERE!

No doubt you've all been waiting since last year for this event to come around again! 

It's THIS Sunday!

5th Annual Panther Pancake Breakfast

at Sevy's Grill, Sunday February 21st

9:00 am to Noon

$10 per ticket - 100%  of proceeds go to programs at Hillcrest High School (DISD)

Because of limited seating, we will not be able to take walk-ins, but we still have tickets available if you'd like to join this FUN, FUN, FUN community event.  Email me at AHillcrestMom@aol.com and we can talk.

Your ticket buys you a delicious breakfast of:  fresh fruit, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice and coffee, tea or milk.  Cooked by professionals, served by the HHS Cheerleaders, Panaders and Theater members.

Certainly you all recognize Sevy and the young Matt Sulentic in the photo above at PPB #1 in 2005, dressed in his waiter uniform for the event.

Fun-Raising Friday, Chapter 2 - It's in the Mail

Whew, this month I've done three separate batches of gift certificates for charitable donations.   It's one of my favorite duties, kind of like Christmas each time you send those envelopes out.  And since this took up so much of my time, and in the interest of letting neighbors know, I'll share with you the events that are on the calendar so far:

January:  SPCA Paws Cause (1/24-reports Karol Wilson, "It went very well"), The Stewpot (1/26 - see story below), Holy Trinity Catholic School (1/31).

February:  Kramer Elementary (2/5), American Red Cross, Dallas (2/6), St. Rita School (2/6), Moss Haven Elementary (2/6), St. Monica School (2/7), Dallas Wind Symphony (2/13), Ursuline Academy (2/13),  Hillcrest High School (2/27), Greenhill Gala (2/27), St. Mark's School (2/27), Les Dames d'Escoffier (2/28).

March:  Hyer Elementary (3/5), Parish Episcopal School (3/6), Hockaday School (3/6), Good Shepherd Episcopal School (3/6), Dallas Lutheran School (3/6), Lamplighter School (3/6), Junior Charity League (3/26), Jesuit College Prep (3/27).

April:  TX Neurofibromatosis Foundation (4/7), Junior League of Dallas (4/8), Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (4/10), Highlander School (4/20), Bradfield Elementary (4/23).

Let me apologize if your charity is not on this list.  In general, we find something to give to almost any verifiable charity that asks.  Sometimes these requests get buried, after all some come in as much as 6 months before an event (too early, people).  Sometimes it's how you ask, in which case I have a few tips, here, on how best to achieve a "yes".   And then there are the certificates that are supposed to be picked up, yet stay in our files until we have to throw them away, months after the event has taken place.

Glad to see there's still so much good being done around Dallas.

Fun-Raising Friday, Chapter One - Super Soup

What do you get when you have seven of Dallas' top chefs making soup for 600 of Dallas' top-givers?  Approximately $250,000 according to Brian Luscher of The Grape, who headed up this year's Soups On! fundraiser for The Stewpot Alliance at the Bridge.  The event was held this past Tuesday at Union Station, and Pegasus News has some delicious photos of the dining room, the beautiful art auctioned off and the guests.    The theme of the event was Campbell's Tomato Soup, and it made a delightful visual of red and white, which was handy because all those cans of soup could then be used to help feed the homeless.  Brilliant.

My photos were of the group in the back, putting final touches on their soups, checking out the great kitchen Wolfgang Puck Catering has installed, waiting for the seating.  Then all of a sudden, BAM! (Sorry Emeril) they had to dish up and garnish 600 bowls within 10 minutes to serve to the guests.  Helping make this a great event were Chefs Brian Luscher (The Grape), Jim Severson (Sevy's Grill), Marc Cassel (Park), Joel Harloff (Dali), Keith Hanks (Capital Grille), David McMillan (Screen Door), Abraham Salum (Salum).   Wolfgang Puck Catering supplied some warm-from-the-oven breads and a delicious smelling Asian-themed salad.

I didn't get the names of any of the soups, one was a coconut milk-asian flavored vegetable soup, there was a gumbo, a mushroom bisque, and for the vegans (and gluten-free) a special tomato-basil soup was made - all were terrific.  We served our Corn Chowder, which Sevy garnished tableside with some butter-poached lobster. (Was that a chest-bump with the mayor - where was my camera?)

Helping Save Babies

Food Parade from last nights March of Dimes feast fundraiser at the Fairmont Hotel.

Del Frisco's David Holben prepared Beef Tenderloin on Buttermilk Bleu Cheese Bread Pudding with Pepper Bacon Demi Glace.

Sevy's Sevy served Sugar Cane Skewered Jumbo Shrimp with Mango Black Bean Relish and Citrus Butter.

Stephan Pyles was right next to us, his restaurant made a beautiful Ancho-Orange Duck Breast with Butternut Squash Polenta, Smoked Cracklings and Kumquat Marmalade.

And Anthony "Tony" Bombaci made a Mint-Lime Lemonade with Ahi Tuna, Coconut and Thai Chiles.

From Suze, hunky Gilbert Garza prepared Sweet Gulf Shrimp and Shellfish Portuguese with Basil Essence and Creamy Organic Brown Rice.

Abraham Salum of Salum might just make the mothers of my Jewish friends a little green with envy.  His Ropa Vieja (shredded brisket) with Onions, Tomato, Avocado, served on Fried Plantains was to-die-for good.  I sent everyone over to taste this one.

Friend Lisa C. was helping her husband at the Chamberlain's booth serving Apple Cured Duck with Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Cherry Pecan Sauce.

Chef Elvis was in the building, from Shinsei that is along with TJ Lengnick, serving a beautiful selection of various sushi rolls.

And "the kid" is back, and it makes me very, very happy.  I met Aaron Staudenmaier about 12 years ago (at the opening of Citizen) and he was literally, a kid.  He's back in Dallas again at Abacus, Jasper's and Rathbun's, and making great food like this Slow Braised Pork Belly, which was very tender.

Chef Jamie Samford of Winn Meat Company made a Imperial Wagyu Beef Roasted Tri Tip with Red Curry/White Soy Glaze on a Celery Root Puree and Sweet Mandarin Almond Salad.

Bringing the pot pie to new heights was Scott Gottlich's Duck Confit Pie, which I would visit Bijoux to have again.

And J. Chastain (and he goes by "J", I asked) of The Second Floor made the most beautiful Crab Ravioli with Aspargus, Wild Mushrooms and Tomatoes.









My pitifully poor camera and picture taking does not do justice to what these chefs created last night.  But best of all they created an environment where people wanted to help give money to help others.  And that's good cooking.

November's News

Well there's that big food holiday, of course, as well as today being Chef Kevin Garvin's birthday. But there's some other fun things going on around Dallas in November, some in-town, some just outside. First, today is voting day, go vote. OK, here are some of the other fun things you can do this month:

November 2-5th and 9-12th (This week and next) - AIWF's "Days of Taste" program is what we need in all schools to help kids get over their "vegetables are yucky" phobia. Chefs, growers and the Dallas Farmers' Market combine with volunteers to help kids learn about good food. You can't miss them, they are all over the market in groups right before lunchtime picking out their veggies for the pasta salad they'll make back at the Resource Center. If you see them, slip them a few strawberries for dessert.

November 5th (Wednesday) - March of Dime's annual "Signature Chef" fundraiser is down at the Fairmont Hotel and Chef Kent has lassoed 20 restaurants, each plating small dishes of tasty treats. Tickets for the event are here, and the price includes helping kids who are born with some serious life-threatening illnesses.

November 8th (Sunday) - Help fund a cooking scholarship and dine on some "world-class" cuisine at Stephan Pyles Restaurant for "A Decade of Dining", a fitting name for 10 years of sending fiscally challenged students to top culinary schools. Chef Stephan has called in a fun group of Celebrity Chefs, each cooking a course. Last years winner is sous and there is a live wine auction for more fun.

November 14th (Saturday) - Chef Florine of Florine Bowman Homemade Quality Pastries will be the lead judge at this year's North Haven Gardens Fall Harvest Pie Contest. Chef Sevy probably doesn't realize yet that the first prize winner gets at $50 gift certificate to Sevy's Grill (I'll tell him later) as well as a $100 gift card to North Haven Gardens ($75 NHG gift card for 2nd, $50 NHG gift card for 3rd). And at 1:00 they have a wonderful fruit tree (FREE) seminar, it's worth every penny.

November 14th (Saturday) - Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce is holding the First Annual Pecan Harvest Festival, featuring the "Nut Ball Hop" (a dance, I swear), vintage cars, vendors selling food and stuff, and pecans. Chef Andre Bedouret, instructor at Milestone Culinary Arts Center and El Centro Community College will be judging the Pecan Cooking contests for cake, pie, candy and cookies - all leftovers to be consumed at the Nut Ball Hop (no kidding). No word on whether it will be a wet or dry event, and I'm not talking about rain.

November 14th (Saturday) - PR person extraordinaire Karol Wilson chairs the annual Fur Ball, "Paws in Paradise" for the Dallas SPCA, which is food-related because (not Chef) Claire Heymann is the Honorary Chair. They will be auctioning off one-of-a-kind specially made dog and cat food bowls. Not made by chefs, but I'm going to make that suggestion for next years event.

So that's it for todays edition, plan accordingly.

Do I Dare

Tell my husband about this trend from Restaurant Hospitality, mixing Celebrity Chefs, fund raising and golf tournaments? A few of his Chefriends are pretty good wackers too. "Celebrity" might be a stretch, but hey I've only heard of one of the chefs in the article before (I've purchased his cook book). And I can guarantee they're highly entertaining - nobody has more fun together than a group of chefs on a day off.

After all, how many other chefs have a cook book that includes golf tips and a patio that has a putting green?

Foot Pillows

Four hours in heels at Terry Costa yesterday afternoon plus four hours in heels at the Zoo To Do last night, today my feet are reminding me why I chose a desk job. So until the first two ibuprofen of the day kick in, and needing some diet Dr. Pepper and a daily paper, I have a suffer free secret that helps me face the day.

I don't know what the name of these shoes are, but I call them Foot Pillows because the moment I put them on aching feet, my feet feel good. Croc-like, but with a mesh upper and better styling, they breath and aren't too clunky, and I have them in 4 different colors. Mine are a little grungy because I've worn them all over First Monday Trade Days and and out in the garden digging up weeds.

Unfortunately they're no longer for sale at Walmart, good thing I stocked up. I'm keeping an eye out in case they bring them back.

Too bad I can't wear them for the next shift at TC today.

UPDATE: And I meant to mention how the Zoo fundraiser went (besides serving over 800 plates of shrimp to hungry party-goers), the Chef's Dine-Around package (Abacus, Chamberlain's, Del Frisco's, Sevy's Grill and Suze) sold for $27,000 - TWICE helping raise $54,000 for the new African Savanna exhibit (which is really coming along from the looks of things).

The Party That Ate My Shoe

Today I am glad. Glad I didn't buy those slightly-worn designer boots at Clotheshorse Anonymous yesterday and instead opted for some old, comfortable shoes. Glad we helped raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society on the live auction Chef's Package last night. Glad we were one of the vehicles who were extracted from the mud by the tow companies farmers with tractors out in Kaufman so we could drive our limo driver could drive the one-plus-hour back to Dallas at 1:00 am. Glad I didn't have to clean a car today and instead can stay in bed - all day so far. Glad I can say that I had one of the best times in the mud ever at last nights Cattle Baron's party.

Not all was fun and games upon leaving however, the mud ate half of my shoe and I landed backside down in the mud myself. And the cars were trying to spin out of the mud and started sending it flying 40 feet in the air, over people well far away. And a few of those cars hit each other, ouch, maybe that's why they left some behind. Well maybe not everyone is glad today, but everyone would probably agree that it was an epic amount of mud for an epic fundraising event.

They Call It ZooTube

And it's delicious. See Jenny. See Jenny's future home. See Sean Greene talk about the upcoming event and ONLINE AUCTION of goodies. Dallas ZooToDo, October 10th.

And Now, A Message From The Dallas Zoo

Zoo To Do Online Auction Is Live!
Join our "wild ride" and take part in the Zoo To Do 2009
Gone Wild! online auction
September 9-30.
This is a great opportunity for everyone to support the Zoo and come away with some terrific items! Please forward this to all of your friends so they, too, can support the Dallas Zoo.

Bid now!

Note - (From me, Amy). Don't forget the great party on October 10th that goes along with this fundraiser - delicious dishes prepared by over 20 local chefs and restaurants at a private nighttime event on zoo grounds. The zoo is not the same place at night, come and see the animals, eat the great food and enjoy the live entertainment! I'll be working the Sevy's booth - come by and say "Hi!"

Caesar Chef

All Hail the 18th Winner of the Annual Caesar Salad Competition. Who will it be - well you will decide if you attend this Romaine event. Featuring an afternoon of wine, salad, raffle, silent auction, live auction, Scott Murray as Celebrity Emcee and Chef John Tesar who was Caesar 17, anchovies! - how could it miss for fun? Hubby (Caesar 6) usually takes one of the kids, they love tasting one of their favorite salads made in ten different ways.

So buy tickets today for this fun, endive(r) on August 30th from 4:30 to 8:30 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, downtown. Tickets are available from the American Institute of Wine and Food $65 in advance for members, $75 for non-members.

And remember, not only is there an open wine bar, but the finest restaurants in Dallas will be competing their salad forks off for the title for Caesar 18, including: Anthony Bombaci (Nana at the Hilton Anatole Hotel), Eric Brandt (Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek), Tiffany Derry (Go Fish Ocean Club), Eric Dreyer (Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton), jW Foster (The Pyramid Restaurant & Bar at the Fairmont Hotel), Tracy Miller (Local), Grant Morgan (Dragonfly Restaurant at the Hotel ZaZa), Jeff Moschetti (The Landmark Restaurant at the Warwick Melrose Hotel), Daniel Nemec (Kirby's Steak House), Brian Wubbena (Truluck's).

This party sells out quickly, make your reservations today!

Dallas Zoo's "Gone Wild!"

Last year's event got "Sp-Iked", forcing a rescheduling to a later (and cooler) date than the traditional late September. Everyone loved it, so this years party is being held in the early Dallas fall, when temperatures are more comfortable in the evenings.

So get wild with the others at 5 o'clock October 10th down at the Dallas Zoo for the annual Zoo-To-Do fund raiser, a great event with exclusive evening party at the zoo. This years event is raising funds for the new Savannah exhibit (Lucy's new home), a 10 acre habitat which will also house the giraffes, lions, and wild dogs (got a few of those myself). Libations, auctions, dancing and live entertainment accessorize the 25 restaurants that will be preparing some of their delicacies for the guests that evening.

Tickets are not inexpensive at $250, but it's a fund raiser, and the food, the evening, the entertainment do give a great deal of value to offset the cost. And there are only so many tickets available - they typically sell out.

Here's the list of participating restaurants and their chefs/owners that will be Going Wild that evening: Abacus (Kent Rathbun, Rick Griggs), Chamberlains Steak & Chop House and Fish Market Grill (Richard Chamberlain), Dakota's Steakhouse (Gerardo Hurtado), Dallas Affairs Cake Company (Travis Barrett), Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House (David Holben), Eatzi's Market & Bakery (Jim Dunleavy), Empire Baking Company (Meadors Ozarow), Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck (Sara Johannes), Go Fish Ocean Club (Tiffany Derry), Gregorio's Catering (Greg Draxler), Kenny's Wood Fired Grill (Kenny Bowers), Maguire's Restaurant & Catering (Alberto Solis), Margeaux's a restaurant by design (Kay Agnew), Maximo Cocina Mexicana and Margarita Lounge (Amador Mora), Mozzarella Company (Paula Lambert), Nick & Sam's Steakhouse (Israel Voirin), Opio Restaurant at the Hilton Park Cities Hotel (Billy Webb), The Place at Perry's (Travis Henderson, II), Sevy's Grill (Sevy, and me too), Shinsei (T. J. Lengnick, Tracy Rathbun, Lynae Fearing), Sullivan's Steakhouse (Kenny Mills), Suze Restaurant (Gilbert Garza), Taste of the Wild Catering at the Dallas Zoo, Tillman's Roadhouse (Dan Landsberg), Woodlands American Grill (Carlos Marin, John Nickolas).

Also providing culinary services before this great event: Al Biernat's who will be hosting the Patron Party, Cabot Creamery is donating the Wine Tasting Party, and Gregorio's Catering is doing the Kick Off Party.