A few weeks ago, I blogged about Chef's Fantasy, and this past weekend, Alexa and I put on our party clothes and headed over to the Ritz Carlton for our first ever Chef's Fantasy. This annual event raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and while I personally don't know anyone fighting this disease, I had the opportunity to listen to some really passionate supporters talk about the impact of this disease, and more importantly the impact of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in extending not only life expectancy but also quality of life for people diagnosed with this disease. I learned that while there is a rigorous disease management regimen, there have been significant advances in treatments for this disease, and each year, researchers find more ways to manage it. Overall, a very hopeful message, and one that made me wish I had followed one of fleeting childhood dreams of being a medical researcher (I was reading a lot of Robin Cook at the time.)
I wore Monique Lhuillier paired with Banana Republic pumps & a Bombay Taxi clutch, because I am nothing if not a good brand ambassador for my own boutique!
Close up of the Bombay Taxi Boutique bag, available here
The worthy cause aside, the event itself was a delightful mouth party! There was a VIP Happy Hour with hors d'oeuvres, more passed hors d'oeuvres at the regular Happy Hour, followed by a five course plated meal paired with wine. Truly, a Chef's Fantasy.
Croque Madame (Britt-Marie Culey from Coquette Patisserie) + Zenato Pinot Grigio. That was a REAL GOLDEN EGG!!!
Pan-seared scallops (Anthony Romano of Sarita) + 2014 Robert Monday Napa Fume Blanc
Mortadella Brado (Melissa Khoury & Penny Barend - Saucisson) + 2013 Light Horse Pinot Noir
Smoked Mushroom Tortellini (Andy Dombrowski - Zack Buell Restaurants) + 2011 Chateau D'Argadens Rouge
Pechuga con Pollo (Eric Wiliams - Momocho/Happy Dog/El Carnicero) + 2012 Broquel Malbec. Chef Eric came over to say hello to our table since Alexa knows him! Helps to be friends with an OG Cleveland blogger like Alexa!
So there was an extensive dessert course by Richard Arnoldi of the Ritz, paired with Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV, and by this time I was very full and mostly focused on the bubbles, which is why I have no more pictures! There was even an after-party, but Alexa and I headed over to Touch Supper Club for hip hop night and to meet up with Nick and a whole host of friends!
Overall, a lovely time at a truly fantastic fundraiser- an experience I would highly recommend, particularly if you know anyone with cystic fibrosis. The research that is funded by events like these is truly making a difference is so many lives!
Disclosure: I was provided with two tickets to Chef's Fantasy in exchange for helping spread the word about this event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting this blog so I can continue to create special content to support worthwhile charities around Cleveland!