Celebrity Chef Extravaganza at MARK’S American Cuisine

The Celebrity Chef Extravaganza took place this year at MARK’S American Cuisine in Houston on Sunday, September 27. Guests had donated $3,500 per couple during the annual Woodforest Charitable Foundation’s Connoisseurs for Charity dinner that was held last spring. This donation provided participants the opportunity to attend on this evening and enjoy fantastic food prepared by some of Houston’s most highly acclaimed chefs with a specially paired wine for each course.

The evening started with a reception where guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres with a glass of bubbles while mingling with some of the chefs. Those present enjoyed knowing the funds raised were directly benefiting the Community Youth Outreach (CYO) program. This unique annual event provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with some of the city's top chefs in a festive atmosphere while raising money for a good cause.

The Dinner Menu

Course 1 prepared by Chef Charles Clark of Ibiza

Chilled sorrel soup with smoked crab with 2011 Commanderie Peyrassol Rosé

Course 2 prepared by Chef Bryan Caswell of Reef

Roasted Gulf snapper with carrot and artichoke barigoule with 2013 Groth Chardonnay

Course 3 prepared by Chef Arturo Osorio of Amerigo's Grill

Maple leaf duck breast with candied figs, huckleberries, mustard, crispy beets and port reduction with 2010 Villa Mt Eden Pinot Noir Sonoma

Course 4 prepared by Chef Kent Rathbun of Jasper's

Thyme crusted beef tenderloin, Chianti-herb glaze with lemon, olive oil polenta with sun-dried tomato cream with 2012 St Cosme Cotes du Rhone

Course 5 prepared by Chef Mark Cox of MARK'S

Rum-infused mascarpone cream, lady fingers, chocolate sable dust, Kahlua emulsion, candied citrus with Pedro Ximenez 1983 Sherry

It was a fantastic evening combining wine and top quality cuisine with philanthropic opportunity and the glitz of some of greater Houston's celebrity chefs. The total donation of $415,000 was presented to CYO by the Executive Director of the foundation, Kim Marling, at this event.

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