9/21: FLAVORS of Northeast Ohio

As honorary chair of last year’s FLAVORS of Northeast Ohio, the American Liver Foundation’s annual fundraiser, I had the opportunity to work closely with both the participating chefs and the generous attendees. By the end of what by all accounts was a rousing success, we had commitments from nearly all of the chefs to return this year. Even more impressive was the response from diners, many of whom declared the event the best of the bunch. Unlike almost every other foodie fundraiser, where guests queue up for small tastes of each chef’s offerings, FLAVORS is a seated affair featuring tableside cooking. Chefs and sous chefs devote all their time and attention to just one table, spoiling their charges with a five-course meal and equal amounts of wine. Only those who purchase an entire table get to select their chef; all others are seated (in their groups) at random. This year’s event, to be held on Monday, September 21, at the famed Higbee’s Silver Grille, is shaping up to be no less impressive. Chefs include culinary chair Matt Mytro, Rick Carson (Vue), Brandt Evans (Blue Canyon), Jeff Jarrett (Lockkeepers), John Kolar (Thyme), Matt Mathlage (Light Bistro), Mike Nowak (Bar Cento), Jon Sawyer (Greenhouse Tavern), Steve Schimoler (Crop Bistro, pictured), Kurt Steeber (Boulevard Blue), Pete Vauthy (Moxie), James Foreman (Chefs for Hire) and Dante Boccuzzi. Only 200 seats will be sold. Call 216.635.2780 or click liverfoundation.org for tickets and info. — Douglas Trattner