Chefs unite on behalf of the homeless; Bayless comes home to go out on a limb

Turning the Table on Hunger advances to its next stage of support for the local homeless community when it introduces the inaugural Chefs-Giving dinner on Nov. 5 at Packard's New American Kitchen.

Packard's, 201 NW 10 St., will open its doors at 6:30 p.m. for the special event. Hosting chef Brianna Shear will welcome fellow chefs David Henry (The Hutch on Avondale), Melissa Aust (Stella), Colin Stringer (nonesuch), Michael Paske (Cafe 7), Allison Dake (Brown Egg Bakery), Taylor Desjarlais (Cafe Cuvee), Kevin Lee (Vast), Justin Brown (Hunny Bunny Biscuit Co.), Larry Dean Pickering (Canvas), and Liz Howe (US Foods) to create a Thanksgiving-themed feast from which recipes will be sent home with guests to help with the coming holidays.

As always, Turning the Table on Hunger will step up in a big way serving Thanksgiving on Nov. 21, but this year the chefs decided to add a fundraiser to help support kitchen manager Delbert Briggs with the holidays looming.

Tickets are $60, and Homeless Alliance staff will be on hand to explain how the organization helps coordinate efforts to support the homeless, including volunteering opportunities, special projects, group efforts and cash donations.

Tickets can be purchased online at chefsgivingokc.com or by calling 415-8410,

See you there!

Bayless returns for Tree to Table

The Tree Bank Foundation hosts its annual Tree-to-Table fundraiser on Tuesday starting with a VIP party at 6 p.m. with the event opening to the public at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Public Market, 311 S Klein Ave.

Chefs from across the city will submit dishes made from ingredients that grow on trees to a panel of judges led by legendary Oklahoma City native Rick Bayless. The celebrity chef/author/television star and NW Classen High School graduate will appear at the VIP event to sign copies of his books and chat with fans before helping choose the best dishes and the 2018 Tree to Table Champion.

There also will be auctions and a full bar.

Cost is $75 for individuals and $125 for couples. Proceeds go to support the Oklahoma Orchards and Re-Leaf programs of the Tree Bank Foundation.

For tickets, go online to www.thetreebank.org. For more information, call 702-4050.

Chili season unbridled

Judged some seriously delicious chili on behalf of OKC Beautiful at Delmar Gardens on Sunday and was so inspired I'm planning to unveil a very special new brand of chili Friday at VI Branding and Marketing's annual Carne Diem chili cook-off this Friday.

I'll be among dozens of pro and amateur chili-heads on Park Avenue between Robinson Street and Broadway between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Diners will have a chance to sample from 60 varieties of chili for a minimum donation of $10. A ticket buys you three bowls of chili. Beer will be sold along with soda and water. Downtown will echo with live music and screams from the annual pepper-eating contest.

Skip breakfast on Friday, bring a bib and come see us.