Easterseals South Florida’s 28th Annual Festival of Chefs

A Celebration of the Culinary Ability of Their Students

Easterseals South Florida’s 28th Annual Festival of Chefs was a true success thanks to the chefs, artists, in kind donors, volunteers, friends, and event committee. A huge thanks goes out to our Celebrity Chef Dena Marino of MC Kitchen, and our generous venue sponsor, Nikki Beach, Miami Beach. Proceeds of the event benefits the Easterseals Culinary Arts High School, a vocational training program for students with autism and other disabilities. At Festival of Chefs, Easterseals culinary students showcased their abilities with their Spicy Thai Chicken Soup and incredible hospitality.

Guests enjoyed an evening of multi-course gourmet samplings served by some of South Florida’s most popular chefs, delicious fine wines, beer, and spirits, along with a silent auction of original paintings, sculptures, multimedia artworks, luxurious vacations, and upscale merchandise. Local artist MANO was joined by 12 fellow artists to make this year’s event truly a fine art experience.

Easterseals wants to thank the following sponsors for their support: Edgar Allen Corporate Society Member, Ryder System, Inc., Executive Chef Sponsor, Barry Solomon, Pastry Chef Sponsors, BDO, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Holland & Knight Foodie Sponsors, Christy Parrish, Hutzler Foundation, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Miami Marlins, Rossman, Baumberger, Reboso, & Spier, P.A., Sapoznik Insurance, Wine Lover Sponsor Ernst & Young, Fleit, Bibbons, Gutman, Bongini & Bianco PL, Professional Bank, Tate Enterprises, Wayne & Nicole Cypen Venue Sponsor, Nikki Beach Miami Beach, Wine, Liquor, and Beer Sponsors, Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., Prescribed Spirits, Rum Zafra, Santos Sangria, Toast Vodka, Traversa Wine, ZYR Vodka, Media and Public Relations Partners, Creativas, Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald, Tony Guerra, SocialMiami.com, Miami Food Lovers.

Event Celebrity Chef Dena Marino of MC Kitchen was joined by a remarkable array of chefs for this special event, including Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Chef Daniel Roy of Commonwealth Miami, Chef Nicole Votano of DIRT, Chef Joe Bonavita of 50 Ocean Restaurant, Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House, Chef Daniel Ganem of Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen, Chef Michael Cerny of Truluck’s, Chef Assia Dahrouch of Lemoni Café, Chef Chad Lewark of Morton’s The Steakhouse, Chef Frank Ferreiro of Nikki Beach, Miami Beach, Chef Monica Gill of Easterseals Culinary Arts High School, Chef Pedro Lopez of Soyka Restaurant & Bar, Chef Rocco Carulli of R House, Chef Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar, Chef Jorge Montes of Roho Kitchen, Chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market, Chef Alain Lemaire of Sensory Delights, Chef Peter Vauthy of Red, the Steakhouse, and Chef Bogdan Niculae of The Gang Miami. Dessert participants included, Cupid’s Bakes & More, Exquisito Chocolates, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Salty Donut & Viv’s Little Waffle Shoppe, Inc.

Easterseals Culinary Arts High School program serves young adults ages 14-22 who have autism, Down’s syndrome or other special needs. Through this program students gain life skills and job skills to help them on their journey toward independence.

Easterseals South Florida has been caring for children, adults and their families since 1942 in Miami-Dade County, and is a leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with developmental, physical and mental disabilities, autism, Alzheimer’s, and other special needs. Easterseals South Florida impacts more than 1,500 individuals with disabilities and their families each year in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Customized programs focus on the unique needs of the individual and the family.

If you are interested in learning more about Easterseals South Florida or would like to volunteer or provide financial support, please contact Marta Quintana, VP Development at (305) 547-4765 or marta.quintana@sfl.easterseals.com Please visit our website at www.easterseals.com/southflorida