Curated Texan
Chefs Raise Funds For Special Challenges Of Children Through Music And Media
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Tamytha Cameron
THE SETTING: The 13th annual Symphony of Chefs benefiting KidLinks was recently held at the Armstrong Fieldhouse at SMU. This year’s event was helmed by Co-chairs Lisa and Stuart Sides and Beanie and Martin Newman who, along with Honorary Chef Chairs Michael Matis, Chef de Cuisine at Fearing’s, and, Chef and Founder of Asian Mint Restaurant Group’s Nikky Phinyawatana were the driving forces behind this ultimate chef-driven culinary dinner experience.
THE VIBE: Featured Hors d’oeuvre Chef, John Holloman of STK, kicked off the evening preparing delicious canapés during the cocktail reception. The reception was followed by a seated dinner where over 20 of Dallas’ most notable chefs prepared a four-course dinner tableside for guests with wine pairings from some of the world’s best vineyards.
The evening also included a silent and live auction of experiences. Participating chefs included private chef Justin Box, Aaron Collins of Café Momentum, Eric Dreyer of Monarch, Anthony Hsia of Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge, Uno Immanivong of Red Stix Asian Street Food, Miriam Jimenez of Miriam Cocina Latina, Henry Johnson of Bistro 31, John Kleifgen of Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, Dan Landsberg of Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch, private chef Giuliano Matarese, Brandon Moore of Ocean Prime, Franchesca Nor of Dive Coastal Cuisine, Janice Provost of Parigi, Jeramie Robison of Thompson Dallas, Luke Rogers of Beckley 1115, Rodman Shields of Milkshake Concepts, Jordan Swim of Vestals Catering, Nicholas Walker of The Village Dallas, and Craig Walter of Dee Lincoln Prime. Following the coursed meal, Featured Pastry Chef Kelly Ball of Leila Bakery & Café created masterful desserts as an end note to the evening. Notable supporters in attendance included Kevin Ryan, Urban Energy Funds, BGSF, Alliant, MossAdams, Vaquero Midstream, Kirkland & Ellis, Goodnight Midstream, Tailwater Capital, and CHUBB.
THE NON PROFIT: Funds raised from this event support KidLinks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides healing, hope and happiness for children and families through therapeutic music entertainment and music therapy programs and resources. For well over three decades, impacting more than 385,000 children and caregivers, KidLinks has provided healing experiences for children with special needs through performing arts and media, therapeutic music initiatives, university-level music therapy training and free/low cost treatment programs. benefiting KidLinks. Learn more at www.kidlinks.org.
