It was all about fine food, fabulous fashion, and rocking to the beats of soul/funk music at the Dining Industry Red Carpet Extravaganza. Held in downtown Orlando at the Orange County Regional History Center on March 2, the event attracted more than 600 guests and helped raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We feel so blessed to have the help and support of Industry [magazine]," said Penny Seater, executive director of the Orlando Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We help more than 30,000 people annually, and events such as these are a huge help for those coping with the disease."Cohosted by Bravo's Top Chef M.C. (and Industry's February/March cover gal) Padma Lakshmi, along with celebrity chefs Bethenny Frankel, Jon Ashton (of The Daily Buzz), and Uli Herzner of Bravo's Project Runway, the evening featured the culinary creations of 10 of Central Florida's leading restaurants and 30 aspiring chefs; a fashion show of 12 designers and 20 models; and, of course, a lively performance by soul/funk band The Legendary J.C.'s. A highlight of the bash was a cooking competition among students from the Orlando Culinary Academy.
Decor throughout was colorful, playful, and modern. Take, for instance, the fashion show: The base supporting the raised runway was wrapped in a bright red banner promoting the International Academy of Design and Technology - Orlando, whose students produced the show. Models made their way to the runway past a series of panels covered in fabric and lit from behind with dramatic reds and purples. Two levels of raised flooring surrounded part of the runway, providing a casual and intimate area from which to view the show. Several guests sat at a solitary dining table right next to the runway, which—quite literally—helped incorporate the evening's culinary theme.
Contributing restaurants included Fifi's Patisserie, Graze, The Melting Pot, Toscana at Avalon Park, Hemingway's, The Grape at Pointe Orlando, and Bravissimo Italian Café. A silent auction featured luxury items such as Gevril timepieces, Callaway golf equipment, and more.
—Bobby Killgore
A variety of dishes were prepared by students from the Orlando Culinary Academy during the evening's cook-off competition.
Models wore fashions designed by students from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Orlando.
Tempura-crusted calamari spoons with Thai basil and micro arugula was served, courtesy of Hemingway's.
Guests relaxed in a tent provided by Top Tent that was decorated in shades of red, black, and silver. Kirby supplied the linens.
A dining table was incorporated into the fashion show, helping to tie in the culinary theme.
Industry magazine's wine and food issue was available gratis. The 99 Viper Venom, however, was not.
Students prepared their creations for the judges.
The event culminated with a performance by The Legendary J.C.'s.
