Stars Gather At McGladrey Culinary Challenge

You just know it's going to be a great party when there are searchlights outside and a bagpiper welcoming you in. There may have been a strong chill in the air but the cheer was out in full force last night at the McGladrey Culinary Challenge For Charity in Boston. We braved the waterfront winds and headed over with about 800 others for an evening of great food, wine, Chefs and celebrities. The event was a major success in helping to raise $75,000 in funds for 7 local charitable organizations in support of community-based projects in the Boston area. We were lucky enough to taste and sip our way through, meeting up with lots of our favorite foodies, Chefs and friends. We also got some amazing food pics for you to see.


The always colorful Lydia Shire was on hand to represent Town Stove & Spirits, one of Boston's newest restaurants and a resounding hit.


Lydia served up a stunning Lobster Popover and Duck Grilled over Cherry Wood with Fresh Chestnut Risotto and Fresh Currants. We absolutely love the Lobster menu at Stove Town & Spirits. This was a small sample of that.


Jeff Nace of Neptune Oysters was there to provide the Raw Bar. The oysters were matched with a Zenato Lugana & Beaulieu Vineyards Chardonnay.


A fantastic ice sculpture reigned over the Raw Bar along with an even more fantastic array of sauces.


Chef Chris Damian represented the Legendary Restaurant Group and worked to raise funds for Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries. As the winner of the friendly competition his charity received an extra $5,000 from McGladrey.


Braised Shortrib Taquiza with Hand Hacked Avocado Relish and Chipotle Sauce was served by Chef Damian. I could have eaten these all night long.


We spotted Pastry Chef Jiho Kim and Chef James Hackney assisting at the L'Espalier table.


L'Espalier created an artful dish of House Smoked Salmon with Oyster Parsley Cream and Ruby Red Pink Grapefruit.


WBZ Radio Personality Jordan Rich joined with the team of Jason Santos of Gargoyles On The Square to raise money for The Lenny Zakim Fund.


Chef Santos presented a Braised Pork with Chestnut and Black Truffle Bisque. Very nice indeed!


Chef Anthony Caturano of Prezza was assisted (when he couldn't put down that Droid) by none other than Billy Costa of TV Diner fame. Just kidding Billy.


Caturano's Crispy Shrimp, Italian Slaw and Cherry Pepper Aioli was every bit as delicious as it looked.


Our very own fellow food blogger Athena of Forays of a Finance Foodie was helping out our friend Dante deMagistris of Dante and Il Casale. Dante and I reminisced about playing street hockey in our Belmont neighborhood as kids. Those were the days!


Dante served up a Five Cheese Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Ragu and Chickory.


The Cremant Sparkling Rose was flowing at the L'Espalier table and was one of our favorite sips of the night.


A lone bagpiper in full regalia braved the cold to welcome the guests.

The beneficiaries of this amazing event were: Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, The Jewish National Fund, Special Olympics, Boston Police Activities League, The Lenny Zakim Fund, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, and The Genesis Fund. Congratulations to everyone.