By: Denise Jones
DBJ Contributing Writer
Many famous chefs from around the country recently participated in the annual
James Beard Foundation dinner at KC’s Restaurant in Cleveland to raise
money for culinary arts.
The James Beard Foundation celebrates the country’s culinary artists
by providing scholarships, educational opportunities and by serving as a resource
for people in the culinary industry,
“This was our eighth year to have the dinner and it was a sell out,”
Wally Joe, KC’s famous chef and part owner says. “All proceeds
went straight to the foundation,” he adds.
Joe became a member of the James Beard Foundation eight years ago when he
was invited to present a meal at the Beard House in New York.
“The James Beard House is known as the Carnegie Hall of the food world,
and it was quite an honor to be invited,” he notes.
James Beard, who was a culinary artist, pursued, advocated the highest standards,
and served as a mentor to emerging talents in the field of culinary arts.
After his death in 1985, his home was preserved and the foundation was created
in his honor.
The Foundation now has around 5,000 members all over the country and many
participate in fund-raisers to further entice and enrich American tastes.
Also, in cooperation with other national food and culinary organizations,
the Foundation works around the country to educate children about nutrition
awareness and food appreciation and to introduce them to the world of fine
dining.
“I wanted to do a dinner at the restaurant to help raise awareness about
the Foundation and to allow our customers to experience the delights of fine
dining from across the country,” Joe says.
He mentions there are two scholarships in KC’s name within the Foundation.
Don Joe, the general manager and part owner of KC’s, said a net total
of $8,000 was raised this year. Some culinary schools tuition cost around
$20,000 per year.
Wally Joe explains every year he personally chooses the chefs, who cook at
the annual dinner.
“They have to be very well respected in the food world and most of them
are very popular in the media,” he says.
When Joe picks the chefs he plans to invite to the dinner, he asks each one
of them to compose a menu, and on the night of the dinner a special six-course
is composed with one course per chef showcased on the menu. Don Joe matches
the wines around each course.
Don served as the head chef and his co-chefs were: Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani
from Terra Restaurant in Napa Valley, Calif.; Johnny Earles from Criolla in,
Grayton Beach Fla.; Chris Hastings from Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham,
Ala.; Ken Vedrinski from Woodlands Resort & Inn in Charleston, S. C. and
Michael Laiskonis from Tribute Restaurant in Detroit.
Joe says people from all over the South attended the dinner.
The tickets were $150 per person, and Don explains that was quite a bargain
because guests were able to experience all these chefs in one house, instead
of having to travel to other parts of the country to experience different
cuisines.
The dinner is held every 2nd weekend of October, and is promoted through a
mailing list.
“If anyone would like to attend the dinner next year, please give us
a call so you can be added to our database,” Don Joe asks.
KC’s is located on Hwy 61 N in Cleveland. The telephone number is 843-5301.
If you would like to find out more about The James Beard Foundation log onto
www.jamesbeard.org. DBJ