Chef Tesar’s influential culinary career spans over four decades with a gastronomic footprint in the Southwest and both coasts. This year, the man who created Burgers & Burgundy for DIFFA Dallas was awarded a MICHELIN star for his exemplary work at Knife & Spoon in Orlando.
Rodman Shields – Milkshape Concepts
Chef Shields is a culinary pioneer with more than 20 years of executive chef experience. He currently serves as Director of Culinary at Milkshake Concepts, the ingenious minds behind Vidorra, Stirr, Harper’s, Serious Pizza, Dirty Bones, and more. Shaking up social media, Chef Shields recipes go viral.
Chef José Meza – Jalisco Norte
Chef José is one of Mexico’s finest. He’s spent his career at culinary meccas like Rene Redzepi’s NOMA in Copenhagen, and Enrique Olvera’s Pujol, in Mexico City. Before joining Jalisco, he led the famed Restaurant Carolina, at the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, named “Best New Restaurant in Mexico.”
Chef John Kleifgen – Nick & Sam’s
Chef Kleifgen serves as Executive Chef of Nick & Sam’s. Founded in 1999 by Phil Romano, the restaurant has become one of Dallas’ most popular dining destinations. Chef Kleifgen and his team are always raising the bar with innovative dishes using the highest quality ingredients and a passion to offer guests only the best.
Chef Charles Olalia – Rodeo Bar
Chef Olalia’s career has spanned the globe and earned him accolades with the Michelin guide, GQ magazine, and the LA Times. His passion for Filipino cuisine led him to open his two LA-based restaurants, Rice Bar and Ma’am Sir. He serves as culinary director of The Adolphus, among other brands.
Chef Shaun Hinson – Toussaint Brasserie
Chef Hinson, of Toussaint: A Downtown Brasserie, has over 20 years of French-trained culinary experience. His resume includes exclusive eateries like the 4-diamond Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. He recently collaborated with James Beard award-winning celebrity Chef Sam Choy at properties in Hawaii and Texas.
Chef Samir Dhurandhar – Savor by Samir
Chef Dhurandhar has always believed in catering to the unique needs of his clients, which is why he developed his own catering company to meet the highest standards of guests’ expectations. Creative ideas, professional staff and sensational food is their motto.
“And we’re not done,” says event chair Wesley Dowden. “Our partners Chef Tesar and Patron Magazine’s Terri Provencal are working hard to confirm more chefs in the coming weeks. Get your tickets now! Your tastebuds will thank you.”
Ticket sales go toward the DIFFA Dallas mission of creating our first AIDS-free generation.
About DIFFA Dallas
The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations in the fight against HIV/AIDS with chapters in Dallas, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is the largest in the DIFFA family and the premiere HIV/AIDS organization in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations within our community.
Alongside its national partner, DIFFA Dallas has granted more than $50 million to frontline HIV/AIDS Service Organizations providing direct care to those living with HIV/AIDS. Highlighting the design community, DIFFA/Dallas hosts multiple fundraising events throughout the season including House of DIFFA, the largest nonprofit gala in Dallas. Through your support and generosity, DIFFA Dallas is able to make a significant impact within our community. For more information about the organization or to get involved, please visit www.DIFFADallas.org. Follow DIFFA Dallas on Facebook and Instagram.
Sad, not one woman Chef.
That’s unusual for this event