HOUSTON, TX (November 6, 2017) – Fans of fine food and wine are cordially invited to attend The 12th International Risotto Festival on Sunday, November 12 from 2 to 6 pm at The Houston Design Center. One of Houston’s finest gourmet food festivals, this event includes an afternoon of delicious Italian foods along with fantastic wines PLUS music, entertainment, exotic cars, a charity auction, activities for kids and designer showroom tours.
Some of Houston’s top chefs will be competing in the culinary competition including Tiago Almeida of Quattro at The Four Seasons, Jon Buchanan of Third Coast, Bryan Caswell of Oxbow 7, Scotty Campbell with Bertazzoni, Maurizio Ferrarese Private Chef, Alberto Gutierrez with The Tasting Room City Centre, Peter Heine of Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Dillon Kao of Express Italia, Carmelo Mauro of Carmelo’s, Greg Millo of The Art Institute of Houston, Johnny Mandola of Damian’s Cucina Italiano, Manuel Pucha of Maison Pucha Bistro, Alexandre Scarafile of Sud Italia, Luizim Shimaj of Arcodoro and Matt Tahaney of Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant.
Joining the judges in this year’s blind tasting include Carlo Bocchi, Italian Trade Commission, Kim Korth, Edible Houston, Justin Kouri, Recipe for Success, Greg LaFolette, Alquimista Cellars, Mellanie Perez, Modern Luxury Houston Magazine, Eric Sandler, CultureMap, and Cleverley Stone, Fox 26 TV Personality and CBS Radio Show Host.
This year’s culinary Risotto Festival will benefit Casa de Esperanza de los Niños. Casa de Esperanza – the House of Hope for Children – is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Casa de Esperanza provides residential care and coordinates medical and psychological services according to the needs of each child. When an unexpected tragedy, like Hurricane Harvey, devastates so many families, Casa de Esperanza continues to be a source of support for so many in their community who are in crisis. Support from the 12th International Risotto Festival will continue to help families in our community that need Casa’s help now more than ever.
Honorary Chairs of The 12th International Risotto Festival are Janie and Todd Mason. Serving as Event Chairs are Julie and Stephen Chen, Raine and Alan Falik, Leslie and Charles Simmons.
Event Sponsors include Audi Central Houston, CultureMap Houston, Design House, Houston Pediatric Dental Specialists, Houston Radiology Associated, Janie & Todd Mason, Kitchen & Bath Concepts, LGI Oriental Rugs, MAI Memorial Antiques & Interiors, MLB Capital Partners, Modern Luxury Houston Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors Texas, PoolSure, Prime Living, Prosperity Bank, Frank Rynd, San Pellegrino/Acqua Panna, Jan, and Tom Simmons, Scene One Interiors, Teri Pugh Studio, The Art Institute of Houston, Thorntree Slate & Marble,
The International Risotto Festival was founded in 2000 and has a rich history as a true culinary competition for a good cause. More than 75 of Houston’s finest chefs have competed to help raise more than $750,000 dollars for local charities in the 11 productions of the festival since that date.
Early Bird Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.RisottoFestival.com for $75 per person by November 8 (savings of $10 in advance) or $175 for VIP tickets. Children under 12 are free. VIP tickets purchased in advance include valet parking and access to the VIP Chefs Lounge where guests can mingle with participating sponsors, chefs and judges, sip fine wines and enjoy a selection of desserts.
For more information visit www.risottofestival.com or call 713-864-2660.