The Fourth Annual Culinary Stars (rescheduled due to Hurricane Harvey), will take place on October 26th at the Houston Chronicle Event Center. The gourmet food and wine event will feature over 30 restaurants including several of Alison Cooks' 2017 Top 100 list. The event will benefit those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and organizations working to help displaced residents and pets, including: Second Servings, The Ballard House and Golden Beginnings. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Ritual and talk with Black Hill Ranch founder, Felix Florez. ​A Jack-of-all-trades, Florez has been a rancher, butcher, chef and even a sommelier. No stranger to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Florez lost 108 pigs during the flood at his ranch in Katy - nearly a whole generation of babies, along with a few breeders.
​
For the Culinary Stars event, Florez will be serving what he calls "The Whole Barn". Simply put, the dish represents all the animals raised on a farm. His demonstration first started with the proper trimming of a beef tenderloin. The loin was then stuffed with a lamb tenderloin rolled in pork belly and then wrapped with caul fat. In what can only described as "meat magic", Florez uses skill, molecular gastronomy and a generous sprinkling of transglutaminase to help all the meat bond together.
​
After being sous vide for 9 hours, the meat will be seasoned and grilled. The finished product will be served at Culinary Stars with cheddar oatmeal, collard greens and a bone marrow Hollandaise sauce to respresent "The Whole Barn".

Several Houston-area bloggers got the opportunity last week to visit with participating chefs and restaurants to get the scoop on some of the signature dishes being presented at this gourmet food tasting event. Gristle & Gossip chatted with Chef Yamila Castre of Latin Bites to learn about the classic Peruvian dish - Causas. Hangry Woman went to Xochi for a tamale making class with James Beard Award winner Chef Jose Ortega. Hot In Houston Now got some Southern inspiration from Harold in the Heights Executive Chef Antoine Ware.

VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available for $100. Don't miss this opportunity to taste over 30 of the best bites in Houston. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.foodandvinetime.com

Houston Chronicle Culinary Stars
4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027
October 26, 2017
VIP 5:30 to 9 p.m.
General Admission 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Houston is slowly recovering from Hurricane Harvey. The water has receded and the trash is slowly being picked up. However, it will be a long time before this beautiful city is back to "normal".  The damage from Hurricane Harvey affected homes, businesses, schools, restaurants, hotels and theaters. Amid the complete devastation rose heroes from all walks of life. Strangers providing food for one another. Churches sending crews to clean out homes. Race, religion, politics, and status were all swept aside as we became #HoustonStrong.

It's been almost a month since Harvey hit the Texas coast, but there is still much to do. Here are a few ways you can still help.

The following organizations not only need donations, but they could use volunteers:
Catholic Charities
Houston Food Bank
Houston Furniture Bank

Houston Restaurant Weeks has been extended through September 30th. A portion of lunch and dinners will be donated to the Houston Food Bank. Visit the HRW website for a list of participating restaurants and their menus.  houstonrestaurantweeks.com

Wine Above Water fundraiser and online auction at Camerata, in conjunction with Southern Smoke. Funds raised will go to help support members of the hospitality industry that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Tickets are $100 and includes a $50 donation. Guests will be able taste though an assortment of premium wines donated by the beverage community. Sunday, September 24, 12 to 8 p.m.

Radio Milano will be hosting a five course Hurricane Harvey Wine Dinner Benefit with a 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Houston Hospitality Employee Relief Fund. Chefs from Radio Milano, Amalfi, and Maison Pucha Bistro will be collaborating for this fabulous event. Sunday, September 24, at 6pm for $90. 

Riel Restaurant will be hosting a multi-course Hennessy Cognac Tasting Charity Dinner sponsored by Hennessy and Marine Foods Express. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Houston Food Bank. Monday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. $130 per person. 

Cane Rosso Montrose will be joined by 8th Wonder Brewery and Deep Eddy Vodka for Cane Rosso 100% Pies For Harvey Relief on September 27, 5 to 10 p.m. 100% of all sales will go to the Houston Food Bank.

Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a fun night out with MsIndependent! #GirlsNightOut Houston Strong will be held September 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Marq31. The evening will include a massage station, food, wine, cocktails and a secret performance. It will also include a donation drive, signing cards for first responders and volunteer opportunities. $30