Small in number, big of heart, Cleveland’s culinary elite are once again banding together to help one of their own: Lockkeepers’ executive chef Ky-wai Wong, whose 2-year-old daughter Amelia – one of a set of triplets -- was recently diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy.
“Three or four of us had gotten together originally, with the idea of doing something small,” says Heather Haviland, owner of Lucky’s Café in Tremont and Wong’s close friend. “But before we knew it, we had 14 chefs involved, and every one of them was eager to help!”
Among the collaborators: Matt Harlan (Lolita), Rocco Whalen (Fahrenheit), Karen Small (Flying Fig), Doug Katz (fire food & drink), Andy Strizak (the former Parker’s New American Bistro), and Wendy Thomas (Lockkeepers).
The result will be a mouthwatering, seven-course blowout, complete with wine, to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18, at fire (13220 Shaker Square), featuring everything from house-cured salami and tandoori roasted lamb, to seared sea scallops, glazed halibut, and goat-cheese cheesecake.
Tickets are $150 per person, half of which will go to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy as a tax-deductible donation, while the other half goes directly to Wong and his family to help with medical expenses. A smaller, more casual event is also in the works for Sunday, July 29, at Lucky’s; more details on that, later.
Haviland says the outpouring of support has stunned Wong and his wife Melissa. “He’s a humble, hardworking, and talented person, and all this support has just left him speechless.”
Click here to view the entire menu and order tickets.
-- Elaine T. Cicora
