On May, 30 of this year, 14-year-old Cameron Vennard (left) was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Kirkwood. He was the son of Darryl Vennard and Sue Herrin Vennard, both long time personal friends of mine. Darryl Vennard has been an occasional contributor to Relish as well.
On Monday, August 27, The Eisenberg Family Charitable Foundation, along with nine of St. Louis' top chefs, will host an event called "Epicurean Extravaganza," a multi-course gourmet wine dinner and auction. The event will be held at Persimmon Woods Golf Club in Weldon Springs with all proceeds benefitting The Cameron Vennard Memorial Fund.
The following chefs will contribute:
David Timney (Frontenac Grill) Chuck Friedhoff (Persimmon Woods Golf Club) Lou Rook III (Annie Gunn’s) Jim Fiala (The Crossing, Acero, and Liluma) Michael Holmes (Saint Louis Country Club) Josh Galliano (Chef at Large) Chris Desens and John Kennealy (Culinary Institute of Saint Louis at Hickey College) Bill Cardwell of (Cardwell's at the Plaza and BC's Kitchen).
According to a press release received this morning, the seven-course menu will be a mix of classical and modern dishes and will also include "a variety of local ingredients such as Missouri trout, peaches, lamb, goat cheese, pecans, and apples." Every course will be paired with a global mix of wines--from France, Italy, California, Argentina, and Australia. Local roaster Kaldi's will supply the coffee.
The cost of the dinner is $215 per person, which includes food, cocktails, wine, tax, and gratuity. Seating is limited to 96 guests. Tables of eight ("Angel's Tables") can be purchased for $2,500.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Donna Eisenberg at Persimmon Woods Golf Club at 636-300-5713.
Donations to The Cameron Vennard Memorial Fund can also be made at any Frontenac Bank.
