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

Food
Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties