On Sunday, June 2nd, Big Sister supporters gathered at Radius Restaurant for our fourteenth annual Celebrity Chef Dinner. More than 130 guests were in attendance to sample the creations of Boston’s most talented chefs. Michael Schlow, celebrated chef and long-time supporter of Big Sister, hosted the event in his fun and modern Financial District-based restaurant, which is set to close its doors at the end of the month. “Although it is bittersweet that this event will be the last time at Radius, it will not be the last time partnering with Big Sister. We love our kinship with Big Sister,” said Schlow.
Chef Ting Yen (Oishii) started the dinner off with a raw wild king salmon, which was highlighted with a truffle explosion and scallion. Jeremy Sewall (Eastern Standard, Lineage, Island Creek Oyster Bar) provided the second course: chilled York Harbor lobster salad with artichoke, petite radish, and caviar. The third course came courtesy of Evan Deluty (Stella), who served a hearty potato gnocchi with peas, pancetta, and peccorino. The next dish was black bass with wild mushrooms, broccoli miso puree, and tempura bits, expertly prepared by Michael Schlow himself. Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger) served the fifth course, which was a five-spiced rump roast atop a toasted garlic potato cake, with long beans and b-1 sauce. Radius’ own PJ Waters completed the meal with an interactive chocolate dessert, which included a cone of melted chocolate that guests used to playfully write on their own plates.
After a welcome from Little Sister Daneijah, a 12 year-old aspiring chef who helped prepare the evening’s first course, guests heard from CEO Deborah Re about Big Sister Association’s role in the mentoring relationships and how guests can support our work. “A year ago, Daneijah’s dream came true when she was matched with her Big Sister Alice. Tonight, we can help make even more girls realize their dreams.” Together, attendees donated $37,000 during our annual “Matchmaker Challenge” appeal, sponsoring 37 girls on the wait list. During dessert, Chef Michael Schlow surprised guests with an impromptu live auction. The lucky winners took home two fantastic prizes: dinner for two at each of the 12 restaurants owned by the participating chefs, and four tickets to Radius’ exclusive Alumni Dinner on June 13th. Altogether the event raised $151,000.
One of the evening’s highlights came at the close of the festivities. Board Member and long-time supporter John Yozell gave Chef Schlow a special gift: a chef’s coat, signed by one of Schlow’s inspirations, Julia Child. Touched by the gift, Chef Schlow immediately returned the favor, giving John a new chef’s coat, signed by the evening’s celebrity chefs.
We would like to thank Chef Michael Schlow and the celebrity chefs for an amazing dinner. A special thank you also goes out to event co-chairs Max Bardeen and Jane Deery, as well as event sponsors Holly and David Bruce, Beth and Max Bardeen, Abby and John Yozell, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Denise Coll and Nick Sampson, MNI/Targeted Media, Partners Healthcare, PGR Media, Inc., The Romanow Zelermyer Family, and Mariann and Andy Youniss.
