Cynthia Smoot
Dallas-Fort Worth’s Most Notable Chefs Help Raise Funds For Children With Special Challenges
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Thomas Garza
THE SETTING: The 15th Annual Symphony of Chefs was held at the Astoria event venue. Honorary Chef Chairs Janice Provost, chef and owner of Parigi, and Dan Landsberg, executive chef of The Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch, were the driving forces behind this year’s ultimate chef-driven culinary dinner experience benefiting KidLinks.
The evening started with hors d’oeuvres prepared by James Ash of Harwood Hospitality Group and a luxurious caviar bar hosted by Black River Caviar. While guests shopped the silent auction, a live stream of Chef Ash preparing these delicious bites was shown. DJ Yojina set the vibe spinning tunes as guests entered through draped curtains, revealing tables in Astoria’s spacious setting.
The evening featured an interactive four-course dinner with expertly curated wine pairings from top vineyards. More than 17 of Dallas-Fort Worth’s renowned chefs, including Honorary Chef Chairs Janice Provost and Dan Landsberg, prepared the meal tableside, with standout contributions from Uno Immanivong (Red Stx Asian Street Food), Michael Matis (Fearing’s), and Mario Hernandez (NURI Steakhouse). The night concluded sweetly with exquisite desserts crafted by Yasmin Mondragon, Pastry Chef at Eataly Dallas.
THE VIBE: Hamilton A. Sneed of HAS Events was the visionary behind this culinary concept. Notable supporters in attendance included Founding Event Chairs Bonnie and Nathan Shea, Cristi and Kevin Ryan, Jodie and John Ludwig, and Lisa and Stuart Sides. Sarah Blaskovich, food writer for The Dallas Morning News, served as the evening’s emcee and introduced Temira and Jerry Wagner, who shared how music therapy sessions provided by KidLinks had impacted their son, Jerry Allen Wagner II (whom they affectionately call JAWs).
THE NON-PROFIT: KidLinks has positively impacted more than 439,000 children and caregivers through direct service programs and thousands more through our online platforms. KidLinks provides healing and therapeutic music through a library of songs, in-hospital performances at special care centers, and board-certified music therapy sessions. Support from this event will help to fund resources that build children’s self-esteem and help them navigate physical, social, and emotional needs.
