With the arrival of spring, tickets are now on sale for Gather & Glaze, a unique culinary experience that brings together Orlando’s most talented chefs for a unique new fundraiser benefiting The Kitchen House.
And the place is brand new.
Instead of a soiree at The Kitchen House itself, guests will gather at the lush Lake Meadow Naturals Farm in Ocoee for a gathering starring Melissa Kelly (Primo at Grande Lakes), Fabrizio Shenardi (Four Seasons Resort Orlando), Lordfur Laricon (Kaya), Wendy Lopez (Reyes Mezcaleria & Sparrow), Kevin Fonzo (La Tavola) and Jamie. A special dessert experience by McFadden (Catered & Events), Chef Tim Keating, Chef Ryan Sand, and Gwendolyn Rogers (Disney World Cake Bake Shop).
“We love hosting our twice-yearly events at The Kitchen House, but due to limited space, we’ve only been able to accommodate 60 to 70 guests in the past,” explains Program Director Juliana Calloway. “We wanted to open it up to a wider audience and introduce our great work to more people.”
Operating within the beautiful Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen and Garden in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood, The Kitchen House offers programs for adults and children that connect people with food and where it comes from. Its services benefit local schools, businesses, and community members at large, partnering with local chefs, farmers, artisans, and health systems to teach people how to source, prepare, and enjoy plant-based meals.
There is a special focus on hands-on cooking and gardening education for local youth.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to introduce our chef ambassadors and guest chefs than by inviting you to some of our best local farms,” Calloway said, noting that Lake Meadow Naturals’ location in Ocoee is about more than just opening up tents to more guests.
“We can lower ticket prices a little bit and we can open up to a whole new, wider audience.”
The $195 per person price includes live music, craft cocktails, raffle prizes and, of course, dinner. All proceeds benefit Kitchen House and its programs.
Stand-up tables allow guests to mingle while visiting nine chef stations. It’s an interactive atmosphere where diners can talk to the team about what they make, how they cook it, and what they do for The Kitchen House.
“This lineup is really great,” Callaway says. “Everyone is willing to donate their time and expertise because they know it helps a good cause.”
A bar, photo ops and a demonstration of The Kitchen House using produce from the market garden will help round out the experience.
“We talk about ingredients, the work we do with Orlando Junior Academy, and all the education we do in the community.”
All included in the ticket price.
It’s rare to see this level of culinary talent in one place, making Gather & Graze a great gourmet option for a spring afternoon.
“It’s a fun time for all the chefs,” Callaway says of the meet-and-greet soiree.
“We want everyone to have a good time, connect with them, and be able to introduce them to our food and ingredients. Take a photo. Appreciate the local food scene and the great work of our chefs.”
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If you go
Gather & Graze will be held at Lake Meadow Naturals Farm on April 19th from 5-7:30 p.m. ticket
Price is $195 and limited VIP sponsorships are available. Tickets and Sponsorships: thekitchenhouse.org
