Things always seem to happen when women and wine get together. And when the gals are Les Dames d’Escoffier of Dallas, it’s gonna be a fundraiser with loads of fun. That’s exactly what happened on the evening of Sunday, April 3, at the Dallas Farmers Market’s The Shed. Here’s a report from the field:
As the sun was setting on Sunday, April 3, Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI-Dallas) had about 400 to dine and wine at The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market. The occasion was their annual Raiser Grazer event presented by Capital Distributing and Thermador.
Chair Dame Chef Tara Anderson of Half Pint Palates, assisted by Dallas Les Dames 2015-2016 President Chef Joanne Bondy of Stock and Bondy arranged to have “A Dame Good Celebration as this year’s theme with a French feel. Thanks to Dame Wendy Timson of WBT Consulting, the Shed was transformed into springtime in Provence with lavender plants, lots of bistro lights and a setting like the French countryside. Even the band, Le Pompe was French!
And, of course, with foodie experts, the dishes were spectacular thanks to 23 of the Dallas Dames including Joanne Bondy, Janice Provost of Parigi, Courtney Luscher of The Grape, Sharon Hage of The Gaylord Texan, Tiffany Derry, Kersten Rettig of PDQ Chicken, Paula Lambert of Mozzarella Company, Anita Hirsch of Neiman Marcus, Jill Bates of Fearing’s, Dunia Borga of La Duni, who raffled off a $1200 special occasion cake!
Dame Hayley Hamilton Cogill was in charge of the beverages that included 25 different wines were poured, all from France, generously donated by Glazer’s including the Brad and Angelina Rose from Provence, Miraval. Adding to the liquid refreshments were Komali’s Dame Leann Berry’s stellar cocktail, Truffle Bloody Marys from Dame Julia Fuqua and her Duckworth Distillery Truffle Vodka and local beers from Lakewood Brewery and Rahr & Sons.
Filling The Shed to capacity were At the tables were Dallas Dames (Dotty Griffin, Janet Cobb, Renie Steves, Anita Cook-Motard), Wendy and Michael Jenkins, Jill and Carter Malouf, Monica Greene, Judy Snyder and Royal Carson III, Blair Black, Ashlee Kleinert with best pal Robin Skinner (husband Chris Kleinert was tied up in meetings) and Ellen Winspear with Tiffany Divis (husband Don Winspear wasn’t available).
Emcee Gary Cogill was joined by Dame Janet Cobb’s husband Phil Cobb for the auction. Both men step into the role of Dames Hubby very well. Just about $25K just from the live auction packages that included one of a kind experiences with some of the Dallas Dames.
Royal Carson III took home the Perini Ranch package that included an overnight stay at the famed cattle ranch in Buffalo Gap and dinner with Dame Lisa and Tom Perini. Royal was thrilled as he said he has driven by the ranch for years and always wanted to stop in.
Ashlee Kleinert and Ellen Winspear got into a bit of a bidding war on for a package that included a dinner in the winner’s home for six from the local team from Wolfgang Puck, led by Chef Drew Swanson and Chef Brent Anderson (Dame Tara Anderson’s hubby) with wine pairings by Dame Hayley, film talk from Gary, breakfast from Dame Tara Anderson and a Studio Movie Grill film pass. Ellen eventually had the high bid to give to Don for his birthday which was Saturday, April 9.
The Capital Distributing team took honors for the highest bid item — dinner and pairings for six guests every month of the year, including dinners at Fearing’s, Abacus, The Grape, The Mansion and more.
Les Dames d’Escoffier is an invitation-only organization of women who have achieved distinction in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Through events like the Raiser Grazer, the members raise funds to help other women advance their education in these industries through endowments and scholarships. Started in 1984, the Dallas Chapter today includes 97 women.
* Photo credit: Frankey Dey
Renie Steves says
Never better! Thank you Jeanne for this perfect rendition of a Dame Good Celebration at the Shed. You captured the highlighted moments with aplomb and accuracy!