ATLANTA (November 18, 2019) – Out of the Kitchen, Atlanta’s most celebrated and unconventional fundraising event with an epicurean twist, returned on Wednesday, October 30 at The St. Regis Atlanta. Featuring 20 illustrious local and nationally acclaimed chefs, the event raised a notable and record-breaking $263,000 in proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer, a local nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and providing meaningful support to children and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Jaye Watson, former WXIA-TV news anchor and media personality known for her endearingly brilliant storytelling, entertained guests as the master of ceremonies for the lively event.
“Each year, this much-anticipated and colorful event continues to surmount our expectations. This year was no different, in both the dynamic and elevated culinary experience delivered by the talented chefs, along with the astounding generosity of the attendees,” said Julia McKelvey, The St. Regis Atlanta’s director of catering and event management. “It’s such a privilege to partner with an organization as impactful as CURE Childhood Cancer, who works tirelessly to bring awareness to finding a cure for childhood cancer, a cause that’s very important to us.”
Chef Jordan Barnett of The St. Regis Atlanta and Chef Philippe Haddad of Cape Dutch served as culinary co-chairs for the event. The evening began with a dramatic introduction for each Chef complete with a fog machine and special effects, surrounded by tables of attendees firing up their favorite culinary champions. Amongst live music by an artistic electric violinist, 240 guests enjoyed personalized, three-course meals tableside, while interacting personally with the charismatic chefs. During the dinner, Chefs could be spotted raising a cheerful toast with their table attendees, serving their guests bite-sized tastes and engaging in playful competition with their counterpart Chefs.
Elevated experiences include Chef Philippe Haddad’s (Cape Dutch) table, which was accompanied by a Nickel & Nickel spokesperson who delightfully paired each course, and Chef Todd Dae Kelper (Umi) whose meal featured thoughtful Cristal pairings with each course. Following their meals, attendees participated in an exhilarating live auction led by Jaye Watson and Chef Philippe Haddad, which included the following items:
- A curated “Midnight Supper on New Year’s Eve” for 12 at The St. Regis Atlanta’s brand new Maisonette event space, prepared by Executive Chef Jordan Barnett.
- A culinary retreat for two at Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
- A once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive tour of Domaine Ott, not available to the public (invite only), including a 2-night stay, airline miles, and a pre-vacation in-home French dining experience prepared by Chef Nick Leahy (AIX).
- An in-home dinner party for 12 prepared by celebrated local Chefs Chef Piero Premoli (Pricci), Chef Philippe Haddad (Cape Dutch), Chef Pano Karatassos (Kyma) and Chef Jamie Adams (Il Giallo Osteria & Bar).
- A 3-night stay for 8 in a luxury four-bedroom marina residence at the Albany, Bahamas 600-acre luxury resort community, including massages, golf, and transfers to and from the airport.
- A 6-course dinner with sommelier wine pairings for a private party of eight at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta’s restaurant AG, prepared by Executive Chef Gilles Schreiber.
Given how impressive and exclusive the auction packages were, the auction resulted in a total of $107,000 in donations. The meal was followed by an elaborate dessert reception presented by Pastry Chef Daniella Lea of the St. Regis Atlanta and Pastry Chef Katrina Pagan of The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta.
“Our vision for Out of the Kitchen was to curate an evening that undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of culinary influence in Atlanta, while also making a huge impact for organizations that save lives,” said General Manager of the St Regis Atlanta, Guntram Merl. “This vision comes to life each year in its own unique light and you can feel it in the room. It’s no wonder that the event continuously sells out with a waiting list for the following year for those who want to experience the indescribable culinary experience.”
The evening concluded with an exclusive, invite-only after party which took place in The St. Regis Atlanta’s newest event space, Maisonette. The after party featured staff with mysterious Halloween makeup, a dedicated Highclere Castle Gin bar with signature and traditional cocktails, and an unexpected special guest DJ spinning tracks – Out of the Kitchen and Las Vegas Chef Hubert Keller of Fleur. Amongst the lively surroundings, attendees could be found dancing the night away or discussing the decadent menu items enjoyed at their tables.”
“We truly appreciate the opportunity to continue our partnership with The St. Regis Atlanta to raise much-needed funds for childhood cancer research,” said CURE’s Executive Director Kristin Connor. “We are in awe of these 20 gifted chefs for donating their time and amazing culinary skills to the evening, and we are grateful for all of the attendees.”
The celebrated chefs participating in the event included Philippe Haddad (Cape Dutch), Reinaldo Santosa (The St. Regis Atlanta), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Piero Premoli (Pricci), Jamie Adams (Il Giallo Osteria & Bar), Todd Dae Kelper (Umi), Pano Karatassos (Kyma), Deedee Niyomkul (Chai Yo), Cyrille Holota (Le Bilboquet), Peter Kaiser (Kaiser’s Chophouse), Joe Schafer (Atlanta Hawks), Freddy Money (Tavistock Restaurant Group), JiJi and Cody Lee (Heirloom Market BBQ), Gilles Schreiber (AG at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta), Hubert Keller (Fleur by Hubert Keller), Nick Leahy (AIX), Bernard Guillas (The Marine Room at the La Jolla Beach Club, San Diego), Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty, Atlanta), Ian Winslade (Mission + Market), and Josue Peña (Iberian Pig).