By Laura McAlister
Journal Editor
Ever dreamed about having Birmingham’s best chefs preparing a meal together under one roof?
It’ll be happening soon. And perhaps even better than the food that’s promised to be served up is the cause it’s benefiting.
The Birmingham Originals and the North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure are teaming up to host the first Chefs for the Cure event June 21 at The Summit Club.
Participating chefs include the recent James Beard winner for Best Chef in the South, Chris Hastings from Hot and Hot Fish Club, Clif Holt from Little Savannah, Haller Magee from Satterfield’s, Antony Osborne from Culinard, Tasos Touloupis from Ted’s Restaurant, George Reis from Ocean and 26, Chris Zapalowski from Homewood Gourmet, John Krontiras from Nabeel’s, Adam Joiner from The J. Clyde and Scott Preston Smity from The Summit Club.
“We’ve always wanted to do a different event that fit with the community,” said Mandy Heard, development and communications manager with North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “We thought of the wonderful culinary landscape Birmingham provides and felt it’d be a great idea to get all the chefs together.”
Antony, a participating chef and president of the Birmingham Originals, said the pairing made sense. The Birmingham Originals have always promoted local food, he said, but the group wanted to expand that mission and also increase the philanthropic reach of the organization.
The money raised by the event will go to breast cancer research and awareness.
Cancer is a disease that hits close to home for the Birmingham Originals.
“We do have members that unfortunately have had cancer,” Antony said. “Our original president was Franklin Biggs, who has had cancer treatments, so it is something that hits close to our organization. We want to raise awareness. We are chefs, but we want to work with our local community.”
In addition to the popular Birmingham chefs, local celebrities will be on hand to assist them in preparing their dishes. They include Amanda LeBlanc from the reality series “The Amandas,” fashion designer and “Project Runway” contestant Heidi Elenora, Rick Journey from Fox 6 and actor Michael O’Neill, who’s had roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The West Wing.”
Antony said to expect some innovative dishes from participating chefs. His will be a signature dessert – a slow-roasted pineapple with clementine gel and a citrus fruit salad with tapioca and black pepper ice cream garnished with black walnut and sesame Florentine.
“I wanted it to be something really special,” he said. “It’s not overly heavy, and it has lots of textures.
“The chefs have really worked hard and have some beautiful ideas. We’re hoping for a wonderful evening.”
In addition to the chefs’ creations, there also will be a cocktail reception provided by Cathead Vodka, a silent auction and raffle tickets for sale.
“It’s going to be a good evening, good atmosphere and good company,” Mandy said. “We’re excited about having it at The Summit Club. We met with them, and they offered the space in-kind. They had family members affected with breast cancer. Every chef was so on board, too.
“As a cancer organization, we’re always promoting healthy eating and healthy lifestyle choices. I think the chefs will come up with great dishes that are really well thought out for cancer survivors.”
Tickets are $100 for one or $150 for two. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.komenncalabama.org.
