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Award-winning chefs come together to raise money for the next generation

The event comes from James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft.

ST. LOUIS — Award-winning chefs from the area will come together to raise money for the next generation of cooks.

Renowned Niche Food Group, led by James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft, is bringing chefs together for “An Evening with Gerard Craft and Friends” in collaboration with Ment’or, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and educating young culinary professionals across the U.S. It's all taking place at Craft’s Expat BBQ in the City Foundry on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The event will be a chance for top chefs from around the country to come together to raise money for the next generation of cooks. It's a ticketed event and people will get a chance to have a walk-around tasting experience, with more than a dozen acclaimed chefs creating exclusive dishes for the fundraiser. You'll also have a chance to meet some of the chefs. Emmy-winner Catherine Neville, Vice President of Communications at Explore St. Louis, will also host the event. 

All proceeds will go toward supporting Team USA in their preparation for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or Competition in Lyon, France. A VIP afterparty will follow at the restaurant’s speakeasy lounge, None of the Above (NOTA).  The competition in Lyon is known as the Olympics of the culinary world and proceeds from this event will go to Ment’or’s mission, the Ment’or Grant Program, and the Young Chef and Commis competition series. Since its establishment in 2014, Ment’or has awarded over $2 million in grants to rising culinary talents.

So why Lyon, France? Chef Gerard Craft is a member of Ment’or’s Culinary Council. 

“The Bocuse d’Or not only elevates American culinary talent on the global stage but also propels our entire industry forward," wrote Craft in a statement. "Supporting this cause means giving passionate young chefs the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial situation. We hope to unite culinary enthusiasts and industry leaders to champion the next generation of chefs.”

There are a variety of tickets, ranging from $!50 to $200 and start times depend on your ticket. Other chefs include: 

  • Gerard Craft (Niche Food Group, St. Louis, MO)
  • Justin Carlisle (Ardent, Milwaukee, WI)
  • Joe Flamm (Rose Mary, Chicago, IL)
  • Matt Accarrino (SPQR, Mattina, San Francisco, CA)
  • Johnny Leach & Helen Jo (The Town Co., XO, Kansas City, MO)
  • Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman (Hog and Hominy, Memphis, TN)
  • Amy Mills (17th St BBQ, Murphysboro, IL)
  • Craig Rivard (Little Fox, St. Louis, MO)
  • Loryn Nalic (Balkan Treat Box, St. Louis, MO)
  • Aaron Martinez & Michael Gallina (Take Root Hospitality, St. Louis, MO)
  • David Sandusky (BEAST Craft BBQ, St. Louis, MO)
  • Matt Daughaday (Idol Wolf, St. Louis, MO)
  • Ben Poremba (Bengelina, St. Louis, MO)
  • Jesse Mendica & Mike Risk (Olive & Oak, St. Louis, MO)
  • Joshua Lanning (Slowhand BBQ, Peoria, IL)
  • Suji Shaw (Niche Food Group, St. Louis, MO)

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