LINK TO PHOTOS
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zajh75bif1tb8u3/AABT6iXspr8zRwClf8kkMBxda?dl=0
WHAT: The 15th International Risotto Festival
WHEN: Sunday, November 14, 2021
WHERE: The Houston Design Center
EVENT
DETAILS: The 15th International Risotto Festival was a great success grossing more than $135,000 and counting (online auction available here.) The net proceeds will benefit Second Servings of Houston, the city’s prepared and perishable food rescue organization, on a mission to fight hunger and end food waste.
More than 725 Houstonians gathered for a festive afternoon of food and fun on Sunday, November 14. Guests strolled the Houston Design Center’s expansive grounds to visit chef stations and savor tastings of risotto, antipasti, pours of fine wines, enjoy Italian music and entertainment, admire exotic cars and partake in family-friendly activities.
Eight of Houston’s top chefs went head-to-head to compete for the title of Best Risotto Dish. Two-time champion Maurizio Ferrarese of Alba Ristorante at Hotel Granduca took home the coveted First Place award for his creamy saffron risotto with black truffles and short rib. Second Place went to Chef Angelo Cuppone of Concura for his pumpkin risotto and Third Place to Chef Artem Orlovskyy of La Table for his lobster risotto with a lobster bisque reduction. Chef Dylan Longaker representing Hess received Honorable Mention for his sweet risotto dish with butternut squash, cream and cinnamon.
Guests also enjoyed risotto creations from Dillon Kao of Old Railroad Café; Matt Zoch of Prego; Alessandro Scarafile of Roma Ristorante and Scotty Campbell of Sweet Marie.
VIP ticket holders and event sponsors had exclusive access to the VIP Lounge at Leisure Collections where they enjoyed premium wines and samples of unique vintages such as Fontanafredda Barolo 2001, 2004 & 2007 and signature desserts from Common Bond Bakery.
Tom Segesta, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston, and wife, Robin Segesta served as the Risotto Festival Honorary Chairs. Second Servings’ most dedicated volunteers, Jennifer Greenberg, Tony Greisinger, and Fran Zandstra, served as Event Chairs. KPRC’s Rose-Ann Aragon served as emcee for the event.
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GUESTS: Notable guests included Misty and Jeff Lindenberger; Terry and Fred Baca; Martin and Barbara Bronstein – Second Servings Founder and President; Robin and Tom Segesta – Honorary Chairs; The Honorable Federico Ciattaglia – Consul General of Italy, Karina and Carlos Barbieri, Carol and R.O. Hunton, Heidi and Nick Rockecharlie, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Nikki and Matt Ranzinger, Tammy and Jon Buchanan, Kristen and Tim Delgado, Jodie and David Stocker, Margaret and Isaac Ibrahim, Michele and Ron Laroe, Marian Azer, Daniel Zalman, Janine K. Iannarelli, Chris and Aston Joseph, Pamela O’Brien, Edward Sanchez, Martha Adger, James Madget, Marilyn and Michael Smith.
SPONSORS: BHW Capital, THORNTREE, Virginia Hoops & Lloyd Doggett, Enovation Brands, Wells Fargo Advisors, Fran Zandstra, British International School of Houston, Dream Charters/Fuel Up, Charter Title Co, Chicago Title Commercial, David Toy Law Firm, MLB Capital Partners, Prosperity Bank, Texas Capital Bank, Modern Interiors Luxury Texas, Hotel Granduca, Houston Design Center, Mercuria Energy, Houston Magazine, LGI, Leisure Collections, MAI, Teri Pugh Interiors, WTSO, Rombauer Vineyards, GLF Wines Marchelle Wines, Acqua Panna/San Pellegrino, Peroni, Common Bond, Edible Houston and Grizaffi Coffee.
PHOTO
CREDIT: Daniel Ortiz
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