Dish With Gracie: A Celebration of Culinary Brilliance and Sustainable Impact
For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some of the most talented chefs in Houston lend their passion, creativity, and dedication to a cause that’s very close to my heart: improving the health of children and families. Each November, our Delicious Alchemy Banquet serves as a grand celebration of this collaboration, and this year promises to be particularly special. For the first time ever, we’re featuring an all-female chef brigade, a testament to both the remarkable women leading Houston’s culinary scene and the profound impact they’ve had on our mission at Recipe for Success Foundation.
Honoring the Role of Chefs in Our Mission
Chefs have been integral to Recipe for Success since we started it nineeen years ago. Their expertise, innovation, and community leadership have been central to our ability to teach children how to make better food choices, prepare fresh meals, and build a lifelong relationship with healthy eating. From day one, chefs have played a vital role in helping us create and refine our Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ program, which has now reached over 75,000 children.
I started this movement back in 2005 with the help of 24 chefs who volunteered their time each month for years to teach healthy cooking to fourth graders across the city. Together we designed, tested and perfected the content that would become the backbone of our Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ program. Their continued involvement goes beyond cooking—they’re educators, mentors, and advocates who bring our message to life in classrooms, at events, and through partnerships.
Each year, the Delicious Alchemy Banquet is a reflection of this chef-driven movement, and this year, it’s an all-female brigade that leads the charge. These women not only represent the best of Houston’s culinary talent, but they also share our deep commitment to promoting healthy eating and fighting childhood obesity.
Chefs like Barbara McKnight, who has been with us for years, teaching in schools and serving on our board, embody the lasting connection between the culinary arts and sustainable health education. I’ll never forget traveling with Barbara to Washington, D.C., where we helped launch the Chefs Move to Schools initiative, part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. It was a pivotal moment for both of us. It filled ourhearts to know this national call to action was inspired by the work Recipe for Success had been doing for years in Houston classrooms. Barbara has continued to be a tireless advocate for the intersection of food and education. Her annual involvement in the Delicious Alchemy Banquet this year is a reminder of the lasting relationships we’ve built with chefs who are deeply invested in our mission.
The Power of Female Culinary Leadership
As we gather for this year’s Delicious Alchemy Banquet on November 11, I’m especially excited to highlight some of the incredible new chefs who will be joining us. Leading the charge is Chef Benchawan Painter, the first female James Beard Award winner in Houston—a groundbreaking achievement that speaks to her extraordinary talent and dedication on view at Street to Kitchen. Known for her bold Thai flavors and a commitment to sustainability, Benchawan’s influence in the kitchen mirrors her passion for making healthy, locally sourced food more accessible.
A Night of Celebration and Purpose
The Delicious Alchemy Banquet is more than just a dinner party—it’s a gathering of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of food to change lives. Each chef who participates brings not only their culinary expertise but also their passion for the broader issues at play: sustainability, health, and community engagement. It’s this combination of talent and purpose that makes the event so magical. Each member of this year’s all-female chef brigade represents more than culinary excellence—they embody the leadership, creativity, and advocacy needed to drive meaningful change.
Chefs like Erin O’Leary Stewart, whose business Savor + Sweat fuses wellness and cuisine, highlight the evolving role of chefs as health advocates. Kate McLean from Tony’s, a pioneer in sustainable fine dining, demonstrates that high-end cuisine and environmental consciousness can coexist beautifully. These chefs inspire not only our palates but also our minds, showing that healthy, sustainable eating is not a trend but a necessity.
Jane Wild of Jane Wild Studio, Jessica Timmons of Camellia Monday Hospitality, Karla Espinosa of Nicosi, and Andrea De Gortari of The Bake Happening will round out this year’s brigade. Together, they will deliver an unparalleled dining experience featuring a stunning array of savory and sweet courses.
At Hope Farms, the backdrop for this extraordinary evening, these extraordinary chefs will craft a 10-course dining experience that reflects Houston’s rich culinary diversity while supporting the continued growth of Recipe for Success. The farm itself, located in one of the city’s largest food deserts, serves as a symbol of our commitment to equitable access to fresh, nutritious food. Proceeds from the banquet will fund our programs that teach children and families the skills they need to lead healthier lives.
Sustaining Our Mission for the Future
The continued involvement of chefs in our work will remain critical to our long-term success. The culinary world is uniquely positioned to influence how we think about food, health, and sustainability. Chefs can reach people on a deeply personal level, whether through the dishes they prepare or the lessons they impart. Their continued partnership ensures that Recipe for Success can keep innovating, expanding, and reaching more children and families.
I am profoundly grateful for the nearly 100 prominent chefs who have supported us over the last nineteen years, and I’m excited to see where this new generation of female culinary leaders will take us. The Delicious Alchemy Banquet is a celebration of their talent, their dedication, and their belief in a healthier future for all.
As we prepare for this year’s event, I invite you to join us—not just for an unforgettable meal, but for a cause that will continue to shape the future of Houston’s children and families for years to come. Please join us by securing your tickets today.
Gracie Cavnar, Founder & CEO Recipe for Success Foundation
