It’s said that in 1924, a hotel chef in Tijuana named Caesar Cardini created the first Caesar salad. The story goes that he had few vegetables on hand, so he did what he could with lettuce by preparing fresh salads tableside for a packed restaurant.
On October 26, the American Institute of Wine and Food’s DFW Chapter (AIWF/DFW) will hold the XXII Annual Caesar Salad Competition and Fundraiser at the Westin Galleria Dallas. The winning chef will be chosen by attendees, and proceeds benefit AIWF/DFW’s educational outreach program, Days of Taste®, and a scholarship to the Chef Sevy Endowment Fund and to the “Best Food and Wine Pairing” Chef and Sommelier” from DFW’s Restaurant Week.
Here are the 9 chefs who will participate:
Chef Thomas Holt – Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Chef Chad Kelley – Café Pacific
Chef Andrea Maricich – The Second Floor
Chef Antonio Marquez – Lazaranda Modern Kitchen & Tequila
Chef Mark McDaniel – ReMARKable Affairs Catering
Chef Kenny Mills – Chop House Burger
Chef Brandon Moore – Ocean Prime Dallas
Chef Stan Rodrigues – Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
Chef Julio Peraza – Komali Contemporary Mexican Cuisine
Each chef will serve amuse bouche with their salads, and it’s estimated that over 700 Caesar-salad-loving people/judges will attend. Points will be awarded for creativity, presentation and taste. A silent auction will begin during the Champagne Reception, and a live auction will be held during the competition ballot count.
AIWF DFW is a 501(C)(3) all-volunteer organization that raises funds for three entities: Chef Sevy Endowment Fund: an annual scholarship awarded to an El Centro College culinary student. The award is named in honor of Chef/ Owner Jim Severson from Sevy’s Grill, who won “Chef of the Best Caesar Salad 1997”; the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Graystone (St. Helena, California) Scholarship: an annual scholarship awarded to the Chef and Sommelier chosen during DFW Restaurant Week for the “Best Food and Wine Pairing” which entitles winners to participate in a class of their choice at the renowned CIA in Graystone, St. Helena, California; and Days of Taste®: AIWF’s renowned, nationwide program that introduces Dallas Independent School District 4th and 5th grade students to healthy eating, good nutrition and new tastes.
AIWF DFW Chapter’s Days of Taste® is a week-long program – the nation’s most extensive program – which AIWF DFW’S Annual Caesar Salad Competition and Fundraiser is the funding source for the successful Days of Taste®, AIWF’s national, food and taste discovery-based program.
The AIWF DFW Chapter’s XXII Annual Caesar Salad Competition and Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2014, 2 – 6 pm. at the Westin Galleria Dallas, 13340 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 75240. Ticket prices are $70 for individuals; $600 per Table of 10. Special Rate Valet Parking is $13.00. For Ticket Information visit the website or call 214.696.2493.
