Bludorn and Truth BBQ Chefs Cook Up World Central Kitchen Fundraiser

Bludorn and Truth BBQ Chefs Cook Up World Central Kitchen Fundraiser

Leonardo Botello and Aaron Bludorn (photo by Alex Montoya)

TALK ABOUT TASTE buds! Pals and chefs-of-the-moment Aaron Bludorn and Leonard Botello served a most delicious four-course fundraiser for World Central Kitchen. The international nonprofit is currently providing meals for refugees in Eastern Europe.


Bludorn hosted the dinner at his eponymous Montrose hot-spot, where a sold-out crowd sipped on craft cocktails like the mezcal-based Verdad Swizzle with smoked pineapple juice and observed pitmaster Botello, who owns Truth BBQ, doing what he does best: smoking meats outside. Once settled in the dining room, guests enjoyed plates like pit-roasted prime rib and duck-and-crawfish-filled puff pastry — all showcasing a mouthwatering melding of Botello's Central Texas-style barbecue and Bludorn's French-flecked Gulf cuisine.

Dessert was a berry-topped Basque cheesecake with smoked-vanilla ice cream. But the sweetest part of the evening? Raising more than $22,000 for World Central Kitchen's relief efforts in Ukraine.

Duck and crawfish puff pastry (photo by Ben Sassani)

Aaron Bludorn (photo by Alex Montoya)

Leonard Botello (photo by Ben Sassani)

Beef tartare with crispy tendon and polish baerii caviar (photo by Alex Montoya)


Food

Guests enjoy 360-degree views from the infinity pool

A PARADISE FOR nature lovers, surfers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica often sees repeat visitors. The seven provinces, though different in the way of microclimates and the presence of volcanoes, cloud forests or beaches, are all predictably friendly, green and breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to anticipate and appreciate the “pura vida” lifestyle, i.e. an appreciation for the here-and-now beauty and wonder that the country offers so abundantly.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food