When the Napkin Is the Main Course: This Houston Nonprofit Gets Creative, Brings Foodies and Artists Together
BY Sharon L. Taylor // 05.02.16RecipeHouse signature salad. Photo Dragana Harris, Courtesy Recipe for Success.
When you think of the words “napkins” and “art” together, origami usually comes to mind. But not this time. In fact, you’ll be loathe to fold the works of art rendered on napkins for Delicious Alchemy: The Art of Food, Celebrating 10 Years of Recipe for Success Foundation. Bid on your favorites in the Art on a Napkin: Dinner at Eight big board auction (which will also take place on eBay, so don’t hold back) or purchase a limited-edition set of napkins printed from the original art for $250 at the event.
But what’s a napkin without an associated meal? The Art of Food also offers dozens of tasting stations manned by Houston chefs, wine tastings overseen by Amy Corron Power (aka The Wine Wonkette) and a Craft Beer Garden presented by Silver Eagle Distributors. DJ Sun and Paul English will provide the soundtrack for an evening that also promises Houston’s first Silent Disco, performance art and poetry on demand from the Inprint Poetry Buskers.
It’s all the handiwork of chairs Gracie and Bob Cavnar; napkin project chairs Catherine D. Anspon and Eleanor Williams; wine and beverage chair Amy Corron Power; and music curator Paul English. PaperCity serves as media sponsor for the event, which benefits the Recipe for Success Foundation.
Napkin artists include Andrea Bianconi, Michael Bise, Elaine Bradford, Desire Obtain Cherish, Kent Dorn, Amy C. Evans, Joey Fauerso, Michael Gordon, Joseph Havel, David McGee, Matt Messinger, Neva Mikulicz, Katie Oliver, Kermit Oliver, Kingsley Onyeiwu, Susan Plum, Beth Secor, Randy Twaddle and Geoff Winningham. Still more artists are submitting their own Art on a Napkin, to be sold at the event for a flat price of $25 or $50. (For more information about contributing your own napkin masterpieces to the cause, click here.)
Participating chefs include Neal Cox (Olivette at the Houstonian), Kaz Edwards (Uchi), Giancarlo Ferrara (Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar), Rob Frias (Eminent Events & Catering, Tarakaan), Jean-Philippe Gaston (Izakaya), Richard Kaplan (Weights + Measures), Dominick Mancino (1600 Bar + Grille), Al Marcus and Randy Hines (The Grateful Bread, Kolache Shoppe), Greg Martin (Bistro Menil), Mike McElroy (The Durham House), Barbara McKnight (Culinaire Inspired Cuisine & Events), Kevin Naderi (Roost), Ryan Pera (Coltivare Pizza & Garden, Revival Market), Shay Prigmore (Max’s Wine Dive), Claire Smith (Shade, Canopy), Ruffy Sulaiman (Hilton Americas–Houston), Danny Trace (Brennan’s of Houston), Philippe Verpiand (Étoile Cuisine et Bar) and Antoine Ware (Harold’s in the Heights).
What: Delicious Alchemy: The Art of Food, Celebrating 10 Years of Recipe for Success Foundation
When: Friday, May 20 6:30 pm
Where: Corner of Main and Polk (valet on Polk)
Tariff: Suggested donations for general admission $150; VIP access, which includes early admission and an exclusive salon with private truffle and caviar bar, special wines and Stella Artois, $250; underwriting from $2,500
Contact: Stephanie Hill 713.520.0443; stephanie@recipe4success.org; online ticket sales