Reata Reunion: Culinary Leaders Toast Texas Cuisine
March 9,2018
Fort Worth Business Press article by Linda Kessler
Ten culinary leaders, including five former Reata chefs, will reunite at Sundance Square’s Reata Restaurant on April 5 for a dining tribute to Texas cuisine, featuring the legendary cowboy chef Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
The evening will begin with a sunset reception and group toast on Reata’s rooftop at 6 p.m., followed by a multi-course dinner in the main dining room at 6:45 p.m. Live music will be provided by Rob Baird, who worked as a Reata food runner in 2006 while studying at Texas Christian University.
Seating at the event will be limited to about 150 people and tickets are $140 per person (including wine pairings, tax and gratuity). Tickets went on sale March 1 at reata.net.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Foundation, whose fifth annual festival will begin the same night as the dinner and run through April 8.
The five former Reata chefs joining in for the celebratory evening are: Andrew Dilda – culinary consultant (Reata 2015-2016); James Gaines – Reata Restaurant (Reata 2014 - present); Tim Love – Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Love Shack, White Elephant Saloon and Woodshed Smokehouse (Reata 1999-2000); Brian Olenjack – Eagle Mountain Tavern (Reata 1996-1998); Juan Rodriguez – Magdelena’s (Reata 2007-2015); and Grady Spears - Horseshoe Hill Cafe (Reata 1995-2001).
Other special guests will include: JR Clark – Central Market (Reata service manager, 1999-2003); Glen Keeley – Thompson’s Bookstore and Poag Mahone’s Irish Pub (Reata bar manager, 2002-2008); and Lindsey Lawing – Sweet Lucy’s Pies (Reata server and bartender, 2009-2015).
For more information: