Crü’s Shannon Yates brought forth double delights with Colorado buffalo or sushi grade tuna, served in bamboo cones. Roy’s Chef Ryan Leto made an authentic Japanese Yellowtail Poke with Hawaiian pink salt, soy sauce and chilis. 

Tarpon Bay's Chef Vincent Savignano.

Tarpon Bay’s Chef Vincent Savignano was a hit with banana leaf-wrapped grouper served with jasmine rice and a choice of six salsas.

Mike Honig brought his daughter and rare bottles from Honig Winery’s limited 200-case Bartellucci vineyard pressing, honoring the Bartellucci farming family and their vineyard. The delicious Catena Alta 2006 Chardonnay and the Twomey Sauvignon Blanc 2008 were two of the guests’ top white wine choices. Silver Oak’s Napa Valley and Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignons were sought after. 

French Bread Oven's Andre Gratesol.

French Bread Oven’s Andre Gratesol’s amazing white chocolate brioche had people coming back for seconds. He says it’s great with espresso!

The auction crowd.

The net result? The energetic crowd at the Wine and Food Fest and Auction raised $900,000—a new record— to directly help the children of Southwest Florida. Well done!