The 7th Annual Gala benefiting Gaston Le Notre Scholarship/ Culinary Institute Le Notre, which supports high quality education in the culinary arts by providing financial assistance to culinary students, was an overwhelming success.  Entitled “An Evening of Romance”, this year’s Champagne and Chocolat Gala was perfectly timed for Valentines Day Weekend. Houston Dining “Sweetheart”, Cleverley Stone was the 2010 Honoree and graced the stage with fabulous auction items in hand, such as $100 gift cards from over 50 restaurants in town--dining for ever week of the year.

Cleverley is responsible for making “Houston Restaurant Week” the success it is.  In 2009, HRW raised $240,000 for the Houston Food Bank.  Long time Le Notre patrons, Philamena Baird and celebrity event planner/Director of Catering at Hilton Americas, Paul-David Van Atta, co-chaired the gala which realized Charles Carroll (Executive Chef of River Oaks Country Club) as Chef Honoree.  The black-tie evening mixed the magic of Champagne and Chocolat in a perfect aphrodisiac balance to create the Gaston LeNotre trademark evening: a fantastic gourmet dinner gala featuring a champagne reception, a raffle, a silent auction, sugar and chocolate demonstration, dance performance and musical entertainment. As always, this gala brings together a fantastic Houston crowd with a passion for philanthropy, gourmet dining, and education.  Darryl Murchison of Darryl and Co. transformed the Houston Country Club ballroom into a magical stage for a masterful presentation of French delectable treats that would put Julia Childs to shame.  Foie Gras Pinwheels, Salmon Tartar, and Marinated Beef in Sake and Yuzu were just a few of the delicacies before a gallery of dessert options.  Next, truffles, macaroons and tarts galore!!

In the crowd: Melissa King (Auction Chair) and husband Bill, Karen Lee and Bill Goulding, Lisa Malosky (Mistress of Ceremonies), Marie and Alain LeNotre, Philamena (Co-Chair) and Arthur Baird, Brian Teichman, Joanne and Bill Crassas, Lou and Meredith DeLone, Rochelle and Ned Stein, Diane & Jim D'Agostino, Beverle and Marc Ostofsky, and Ernie Manouse.  The Gaston Le Notre Scholarship was created in March 2001 by Marie LeNotre to support high quality education in the culinary arts.  It provides need based financial support to all students seeking an education in culinary arts in Harris County. The first gala in 2001 raised $45,000; and in 2010, over 180 patrons were in attendance with over $125,000 raised.   

This year, Jane-Page Crump (2010 Honorary Chair), James Crump, and Amanda Crump created a Special Scholarship in the name of Jason Allen Crump (a former student - who passed away).  The Jason Allen Crump Scholarship is a wonderful and meaningful way to preserve Jason’s legacy. To find out more, http://www.culinaryendowment.org/.

(Pictured Above: Bill & Melissa King with Marie & Alan LeNotre)