I found my Dimple Twin at the 2014 Pay is Forward with Daniel Curtis

Another great Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis has delighted us, touched our hearts, and invigorated our dancing moves.  

 

This year for me was a pretty exciting.  I finally met my dimple twin via a conversation prompted by my Google Glass.  You’re thinking “what on Earth is a dimple twin?”  I’ll take a step back.  I have an unusual dimple on my cheekbone - on just one side.  It is a distinctive trait that garners attention.  It was just another trait that made me a statistical outlier.  
 

Attendees danced the night away to the Spazmatics.

 

Being a statistical outlier is pretty fun. You stick out like sore thumb (which I like to use to my advantage), but you also get a yearning for someone who might share your same feelings.  Well, I met my dimple twin.  He doesn’t look much like me, but darn, if it I didn’t feel like we had a small community of two.

 

So I got to chatting with AJ - that’s my twin’s name.  He suffered an injury about 3.5 years ago and was told that he would never walk again.  While I can’t understand what he felt to be told that your entire way of living would be turned upside down just when your life is getting started, I do know that he’s standing and walking because of the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.  

My dimple twin! 
 

AJ is still active in physical therapy and lives with chronic pain.  But he’s working, happy, and full of life.  Stories like his carve an even deeper place in my heart for the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.  I’d like to say that you’ll come to Lone Star Paralysis Foundation events for the great food, great entertainment, and the great auction prizes.

 

The truth is that you should really come for the great people - the people who have formed an amazing community around recovery and the people who have triumphed past those difficult recovery stages of their lives.  Cheers to AJ and all the others on the road to recovery!

I would be remiss if I didn’t show off at least photo of food porn and thank our generous supporters.  Fabulous bites and sips courtesy of:  

Chef David Bull of Congress & Second Bar + Kitchen

Chef Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine and Odd Duck

Chef Jack Gilmore of Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Chef Ben Nathan of Café Blue

Chef Philip Speer of Uchi & Uchiko & St. Philip

Chef John Bates of The Noble Sandwich Co.

Chef Mat Clouser of Swift’s Attic

Chef Shawn Cirkiel of Chavez

Chefs Jenn Costello and Chris Hurley of The Bonneville

Chef Jason Dady of Tre Trattoria

Austin Cake Ball

The Carillon

Searsucker

Casa Brasil Coffee

Tipsy Texan David Alan

Salt and Time

Save the World Brewing Marble Falls, TX

 

Thank you so much to everyone for your support and making it a great evening!
 

Brown butter bruleed shepherd’s from Jack Allen’s.  Don’t forget that both Jack Allen’s and HopDoddy’s donates regularly to Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.

Pay it Forward with the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation August 8th

I'm excited to announce that Pay it Forward is back.  The Austin food community is pretty awesome.  Chefs and food industry members are constantly giving to the community and helping each other out.  There aren't always that many opportunities for us to give back.  Austin Food for Life is one of the new ways that people can give back to the food community. 

Not only is this an opportunity to pay it forward by celebrating fantastic Austin Chefs and the supportive food community, this particular event benefits the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.  The first event of this style with the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation was in 2011, shortly after Daniel Curtis sustained a life-altering injury to his spine.  This year's event, Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis, is on Thursday, August 8, 2013 from 6-10 pm in the Grand Ballroom at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center.  Tickets are $75 for entry from 7 - 10 pm.  VIP tickets are $125 for entry from 6-10 pm.  Included with the tickets are tastes from local chefs, beer, wine, and Tipsy Texan cocktails, and entertainment from Rotel & the Hot Tomatoes.

The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation is one of the most amazing non-profits I've known.  Not only do they run excellent events (for real), their mission and the advantages they provide is priceless.  The community that the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation has built is one of the most robust and effective ones I have met.  When someone is needing to recover from spinal injury, the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation envelopes them in support in ways that isn't even imaginable. 

Knowing that others do good is a good feeling.  Being close to others that do good is even better.  Being able to support others who do good is a fantastic feeling.  Here's how you can help. 

• Tell someone who is in need of assistance in recovering from spinal injury to get to know the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation
• Donate to the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation online.
• Donate something to their auction.  I must say that their auctions are one of the best around.  Can we say Uchi dinner for 8 in your home?
• Attend Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis
• Bring a friend to Pay it Forward

Daniel and Crew!  Photo by John M. P. Knox. 

Not only will you be surrounded by some of my favorite people, you'll also be surrounded by their food.  Participating will be:

• Josh Watkins and Plinio Sandalio of The Carillon
• Tatsu Aikawa of Ramen Tatsu-ya
• John Bates of The Noble Sandwich Co.
• David Bull of Congress & Second Bar & Kitchen
• Shawn Cirkiel of Parkside, Olive & June & The Backspace
• Steven Cak of Parkside
• Mat Clouser and Callie Speer of Swift's Attic
• Jason Dady of Bin 555 & Tre Trattora
• Ned Elliott of  Foreign & Domestic
• Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ
• Jack Gilmore of Jack Allen's Kitchen
• Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine
• Harold Marmulstein of Salty Sow
• Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki of La Condesa & Sway
• Philip Speer of Uchi & Uchiko
• Shane Stark of Kenichi
• Casa Brazil Coffees
• The Tipsy Texan.

Last year's dessert offering by Uchiko.  Photo by John M. P. Knox. 

You know where I'll be.  I hope to see ya there!

Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis benefiting Lone Star Paralysis Foundation @CarillonAustin

You might have remember that Austin has a pretty awesome food community.  In that community are really awesome people.  Unfortunately, sometimes not awesome things happen.  Just over a year ago in a diving accident, Daniel Curtis's life changed completely.  He suffered a life threatening injury to his spinal cord, and with the support of many, he is well on his way to recovery.  Here's last year's event.

To relieve the medical expenses, his friends, family, and co-workers raised $65,000 by producing an amazing fundraiser with the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation.  I'm not biased or anything.  :o)  Through this event, I was able to get to know the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, an organization that amazes me over and over.  The supporters of this group are earnest in their support and work ethic.  It is pretty cool just to be near a group that is so pure of heart.  Here's another post on a previous Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Vodka Dinner at the Carillon. 

Two years ago, I put on the Cupcake Smackdown 2.0 on my birthday.  It was a pretty awesome day, and even Dave Chappelle showed up.  This year, you have a chance to celebrate my birthday with me again.  Now that Daniel is on his way to recovery, he is intent on fulfilling his vow to payback all that was done for him last year.   

The 1st Annual Pay it Forward with Daniel will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at ATT Conference Center in Austin.  All proceeds will benefit The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation in helping people with spinal cord injuries.   Tickets can be purchased at: www.payitforwardwithdaniel.org.  Tickets are $100, and VIP Tickets are $150.  Don't forget to their your checkbook for the auction items. Music will be provided by Kat Edmonson and a Special Guest.

This year's chefs are:

• Josh Watkins — The Carillon
• Plinio Sandalio — The Carillon
• Kenzie Allen — Asti
• John Bates — The Noble Pig
• David Bull — Congress, Second Bar & Kitchen
• Shawn Cirkiel — Parkside, Olive & June, The Backspace
• Jack Gilmore — Jack Allen's Kitchen
• Zack Northcutt — Swift's Attic
• Callie Speer — Swift's Attic
• Philip Speer — Uchi & Uchiko
• Shane Stark — Kenichi
• David Alan — The Tipsy Texan

If you want your un-birthday to be as awesome as my birthday, enjoy some delicious bites from some of Austin's accomplished chefs, have a cocktail, and hang out with a truly moving nonprofit.  Buy tickets here. 
Here's some pictures from The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation's golf fundraiser in April.  At every few holes, there was food, drinks, and good company.  Serious, Serious fun. 

Pulling off an event of this size is no small feat.  Check out all those happy golfers!

This station was Cover 3.  Green Chile Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken was pretty darn tasty.

Bacon wrapped shrimp from El Arroyo!

Bacon wrapped quail leg from Jack Allen's on a Goat Boat. 

This signed poster was auctioned off later that night. 

And Daniel Curtis in the flesh.  He walked across the stage that night.  Amazing. 

Dining with The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation @CarillonAustin @ChefJoshWatkins

*I helped produce the Benefit for Daniel, and I was invited as a guest to The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Vodka Dinner at the Carillon. 

With the giving season upon us, you might be looking for organizations that need some holiday funds or warm body volunteers.  The Lone Star Paralysis Foundation is an organization that I recently got to know through an unfortunate accident.  One thing that I noticed about the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation was the immense (and I mean IMMENSE) passion and unwavering focus on the organization's goals.  In meeting many of the board members, I was bombarded with warm greetings and huge smiles.  Dang, that is one happy, yet intensely focused board.  Since I hadn't mentioned it yet, the mission of the organization is "to cure spinal cord paralysis through funding research, advanced recovery, and community outreach."

Photo by John M. P. Knox. 

Daniel Curtis is looking fantastic.  If you haven't met Daniel (donations for his recovery accepted here) yet, you should soon!

Another thing that you might not know about the board is that they front all their expenses.  All donations go directly to their cause, and not to pay for incurred expenses.  As a member and current/past board members for a number of organizations, that is not an easy thing to do.  Expenses can range from air fare, hotel rooms, and car rentals.  To take on those expenses out of one's own pocket in addition to serving an organization with time is a testament to the board's dedication.  Though I'm not closely involved with the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, I certainly appreciate and look up to their board members. Every time board members of the foundation speak, there's not a dry eye in the crowd.  These people are exceptionally moving. 

There are several ways that you can donate to this wonderful organization by hosting events, donating to their raffles, or by directly donating cash.  You can also donate by ordering the Carl Miller’s Layered Chunky Queso at Jack Allen's Kitchen.  The queso is green chile pork, queso and guacamole served with a basket of chips.  Also, don't you know that all food that supports non-profits is calorie free?  *statement not empirically tested.

Photo courtesy of Bread and Butter PR.

Throughout the year, the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation hosts a number of events including a vodka pairing dinner.  This year's dinner was sponsored by Tito's and held at the Carillon.  You probably know by now that I'm a HUGE fan of the Carillon and Chef Josh Watkins.  We've got a surprise for you in store on Dec. 9th, 2011.  Hang tight for more information.  Also, hang tight for a baby Watkins on the way.  Don't forget to congratulate Chef Josh and his lovely wife, Sarah on their upcoming family addition!

Photo by John M. P. Knox.

The Vodka Pairing Dinner dinner started off with some creative cocktails.


Photo by John M. P. Knox.

The first course was Heirloom Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn, Balsamic Cream, and Garlic Croutons.   Aren't the colors of this dish just fantastic?


Photo by John M. P. Knox. 

Here's a photo of best friends, Chef Josh Watkins and Daniel Curtis.  I'm excited to report that Daniel (donations for his recovery accepted here) is recovering well.  Last I saw him, he was kicking, literally!

Photo by John M. P. Knox.

Board member Doug English (YES! The football player!) and members present one of the raffle items, a painting of Doug in his Longhorn uniform.  If you want to give to an organization that will really make a difference, please keep the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation in mind.  I can attest that any donation you make will make an impact and that your help will be greatly appreciated.  Happy Giving!

#Benefit4Daniel @MeetatTexas and the Austin Food Community Scrapbook

Tickets and donation for Benefit4Daniel link here. SUBMIT stories to Austin Food Community Scrapbook here. In a world where we think human connections are giving way to online interaction and everyone is in the rat race, stories about love and community are becoming farther and fewer between.  But that’s not the case in Austin, TX.  You might have heard about it.  The Music Capital of the World.  The Allergy Capital of the world. Silicon Valley of Texas.  Those are just a few names for our ever evolving city with a small town feel. Lovely Ladies of Derby Day 2011. From L to R, @CakeAustin, Paula from Paula's Spirits, Valerie the Forager, @KristiFarm2tbl, and myself.  Photo Courtesy of @CakeAustin. People in Austin are nice.  Being weird is cool, and talking to strangers is the norm.  But I’d like claim that Austin is a daaaaamn nice community.  Austin takes Southern Hospitality to another level.  We’re not just polite and cordial.  We’ve loving, huggy, and smiley.  The International Association of Culinary Professionals conference was recently in Austin, and repeatedly, I heard people muttering, “Wow. People here are nice/helpful.”  I’m glad that the local Austin food community got to give a little taste of Austin to the out-of-towners because that’s not always the case.  I’ve been in many other communities where you had to watch out for who was stabbing your back.  You know that someone was doing it, but you weren’t sure who it was this time. At a food bloggers pot luck circa ~2009.  From L to R, Jette, @TastyTouring, @AdamHolzband, @PennyDelosantos, and @TacoJournalism. The Austin food (and beer community) for that matter is awesome beyond belief.  The heart and souls of its members is even more pure than thrice filtered water.  While members have their disagreements from time to time, this community bands together for the greater good.  From Austin Bakes for Japan to Sustainable Food efforts, and to my own Cupcake Smackdown, it is unbelievable how supportive the community is to one another.  Addie Broyles gave a panel discussion on the Austin Food Blogger community at SXSW 2011.  The take away message is that even though bloggers are technically competitors with each other, a supportive community can help all bloggers.  We are the poster children of rising tides raises all boats. This isn’t just about food bloggers; it is about the many other people in the food community.   Tragedy struck our community when an active member suffered a serious accident.  Daniel Curtis, 28, was the behind the scenes man making sure that many events at the Carillon and AT&T Executive Education Center were executed seamlessly.  This man not only worked hard behind the scenes, but he was truly a friend to us all.  In line with the Austin culture, the community is coming together to throw Daniel a huge fundraising party.  This event brings together many talented chefs and local vendors in a way that is bittersweet.  Bitter than one of our own is suffering, but sweet that the community is banding in such a way to support him.   Join us on Wednesday, July 13th to celebrate the Austin Food Community, and to share camaraderie over fabulous food, drinks, and company.  Even if you can't make it to the event, any donation is greatly appreciated.  A very special thank you to all the chefs, bartenders, vendors, and amazing staff for putting this one.  Ticket and donation link here. With Austin earning national nods for our food community, I wanted a way to capture the community into one centralized location.  Locals know what makes us a community, but I feel that out-of-towners don't get a comprehensive view.  I'm starting a side project that can be conceptualized as an Austin Food Community Virtual Scrapbook.  It is essentially a collection of blog posts, tweets, submitted stories, photos, or videos about the Austin Food Community.  It will be a resource for people to use when describing the Austin Food community, and our scrapbook so we can reflect on how we change over the years.  I'm only kicking myself for not doing this earlier.  In the last three years, many stories and events have already been forgotten or were never written down.  From the Austin Bakes for Japan campaign, to 24 Hours of Cooking, and to my own Cupcake Smackdown, these are acts of community that make Austin AWESOME!   SUBMIT stories here. https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFZCaHRWRHNFLVQ5VmxRRXJ4RWttcFE6MQ#gid=0 If you'd like to volunteer at the event, sign up here. This project will be on-going, and I'm not quite sure where the final product will rest yet.  It will be used at Daniel's Benefit, and start off as a blog post on my blog.  It is my intention to keep it somewhere public so we can all enjoy it.  I'll start with the first submission.  Here's a photo of @BroylesA and myself at La Dolce Vita in 2009.  I love Addie because she can smile and throw grapes at the same time!

My love for @MeetatTexas becomes personal.

You might have noticed that I have a strong and deep love for @MeetatTexas and @CarillonAustin.  The food I've eaten there has been off the charts fantastic.  The experiences I've had are some of the best over the last year.  Chemistry Kitchen, Star Power at the Hill Country Wine and Food Festival, and various other events (on-site and off-site) have been outstanding.  One thing that has been consistent throughout the events is Daniel Curtis running by in a suit with a big smile on his face.  If you're lucky, you can steal a hug from him before he's off putting out fires (not literal ones).  


 At the Austin Food Blogger Alliance Educational Event tonight, I didn't see Daniel.  And oddly, I didn't see him the week before at the IACP gala.  It was only after I got on Facebook tonight that I learned that Daniel had a serious accident on May 30th.  I feel like a big jerk for not being more attentive on Facebook.  


Click thumbnail to donate. 


Daniel is recovering now, but it won't be quick or easy.  If you want to see Daniel's smiling face at the AT&T Executive Education Center sooner rather than later, you can help by donating to the medical expenses.  The goal is to raise $45,000, and he's just over $8,000 now.  I'm donating in small increments, in the amounts that I would have spent on food events.  I started off with $100, the the cost of a Spanish wine dinner.  Spanish wine, though tasty, isn't as important to me as Daniel's recovery and well-being. 

If you've had a enjoyed events at the AT&T Executive Education Center before, I'm proposing that you think about donating to Daniel Curtis.  You might not know him personally, but if you've ever had a good time at the center or at the Carillon, then you know his work.  For me, this is personal.  I don't just have a business relationship with the AT&T Executive Education Center, I have a personal relationship with the people who make it awesome. 

DONATE HERE

If you do want to attend a Spanish Wine dinner at the Carillon, Executive Chef Josh Watkins and Chef de Cuisine Chris Andrews, will host “Taste Of Spanish Wine” on Thursday, June 16^th from 7 pm - 10 pm. Cava cocktails will begin at 6:30 pm with a five-course dinner following at 7 pm.  The wine tasting dinner features Spanish wines from Vinaio Imports, an import group that focuses solely on Spanish and Portuguese wines. Cesar Chavez,a person and not the street, will regale guests with stories behind the wine and help to explore the distinct terroir and styles of the featured wine.  Tickets are $100 per person.  Email Lauri.Taylor@attconf.utexas.edu or call 512.404.3655 for reservations.