parties

Truffles, Risotto and Wine — Oh My! Foodie Festival Savors Its 15th Year

Truffles, Risotto and Wine — Oh My! Foodie Festival Savors Its 15th Year

Tim and Kristen Delgado, Selena Mackay and Charles Martens

A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY contributed to the 15th annual International Risotto Festival's astounding turnout.

More than 725 Houstonians hit up the Houston Design Center for a full afternoon of food and fun. Chef stations featured tastings of antipasti and fine wines — and, of course, risotto: Eight chefs competed for the ultimate title of Best Risotto Dish, and the honors went to Maurizio Ferrarese for the third time. The Alba Ristorante chef's creamy saffron risotto with black truffles and short rib certainly earned the top prize, while Concura's Angela Cuppone garnered second place for his pumpkin risotto.

The rest of the afternoon also adopted an Italian theme. The Design Center's grounds featured both Italian music and exotic cars, and the hundreds of guests — including Federico Ciattaglia, the Consul General of Italy — spent hours strolling, sipping and savoring.

The afternoon grossed more than $135,000, and net proceeds will go to Second Servings of Houston, a "food-rescue" org whose mission is to minimize food waste and fight hunger.

Kristine Cruz and Magdalina Spangelo

Camille Buffalo and Jessie Joseph

Joey and Elizabeth Borski

James Madget, Martha Adger, Marilyn and Michael Smith

Carlos and Karina Barbieri

Chef Maurizio Ferrarese of Alba Ristorante at The Hotel Granduca

Annaliese Settles and Ariana Fathivand

Faith Pate and Uriel Quintanilla

David and Jodie Stocker

Daniele Pinto, Gina Musachia and Stephanie Perkins

Consul General of Italy Federico Ciattaglia, Sheri Roane, Barbara Bronstein and Rose-Ann Aargon

Chris and Ashton Joseph

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Food
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places
parties

Cult Foodie Dinner Series Hosts POST Fête

Chef Ope Amosu addresses foodies

A DINNER SERIES with a cult following hosted a foodie-approved event in Houston on a breezy evening atop the rooftop at POST. Secret Supper curates one-of-a-kind culinary experiences across the world, drawing devoted followers who travel from near and far to partake in its exclusive events.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
parties

Justin Garcia's Rooftop Homecoming Draws Hip Crowd

Beth Muecke, Justin Garcia

HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment