A Free Audi, Bun B and Top Chefs Make for an Electric Houston Scene

What: 6th annual Big Taste of Houston benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)

Where: Audi Central Houston

PC Moment: Was it the raffle giveaway of the 2018 Audi A3 or the announcement of the culinary awards that sparked the most enthusiasm at this foodie-centric fundraiser? There was plenty of excitement when Jon Niemczyk (even though he was not present) was announced as the winner of the car. And there were generous applause when The Capital Grille received both the judge’s and the people’s choice awards as well as the Best of Big Taste honors.

Le Colonial ranked tops for best beverage and Dawn Foods won honors with the Best Dessert award. All were announced by emcee Rachel McNeill of KPRC Channel 2. Thank you celebrity judges Bun B, Chester Pitts, DJ Mr. Rogers, Trae tha Truth, Daniela Velasco and Adam Goldberg.

Twenty chefs competed in the food and beverage extravaganza that brought in $170,000 for the non-profit that provides one-to-one mentoring relationships for youngsters facing adversity. Participating restaurants were Broken Barrel Wine Bar, The Capital Grille, Dish Society, KUU, Mala Sichuan, Morning Star, Ouisie’s, The Pit Room, Riel, Royal Sonesta and State of Grace, Uchi and mixologists from Axelrad, BCK and Johnny’s Gold Brick.

Leading the event that drew some 400 BBBS supporters were chairs Divya and Chris Brown, Stacy and John Andell, Leigh McBurnett and Matt Harris. Receiving special thanks from BBBS CEO Pierce Bush, fresh from his honeymoon, was Danny Posey, GM of Audi Central Houston which donated outright the shiny new wheels.

Entertainment included a special performance by Xena Aouita, Miss Teen Houston International 2018 and an international pop singer, and tunes by DJ Mr. Rogers.

Who: Sarahbeth Bush, Claire Cormier-Thielke, DeShana and Darryl Blackburn, Jessica Ahrens, Kristyn Ahrens, Judge Clarease and Cary Yates, Laura Jones, Katie and Josh Hilburn, Monica and Roger McNeill, Courtney Zavala, Orlando Romero, Lennard Sims and Shelton Davison.