It’s not that big of a secret that some of the best dining rooms in Southwest Florida are tucked away behind the iron gates of private clubs.
So when there’s an opportunity to dine at one, no membership (or well-connected friends) required, it’s gives one cause to jump—and more motivation from knowing you can mix a night out with the chance to give back.
On April 3, the Culinary & Hospitality Education Foundation of Southwest Florida—or C.H.E.F., as it is affectionately known—is hosting its annual benefit at Kensington Golf & Country Club, themed “C.H.E.F. Honors Club Chefs.” All of the money raised goes to fund scholarships that are dished out to Collier and Lee County students pursuing careers in the industry, and the group is also taking the chance to honor Kensington’s executive chef, Ralph Feraco, for his service as a dedicated mentor to fostering the next wave of local culinary talent.
As for how the night will unfold, a team of eight wizards in toques from around town (including Feraco) will be preparing various bites, and Naples Wine Collection will provide premium pours to pair with them (tickets are on sale now and start at $175 per person). Plus, guests can drool over—and hopefully take home—an array of epicurean silent and live auction items, including a week at a Tuscan villa, a private dinner for eight from the host of Fox4’s Great Neighborhood Cooks, a champagne lunch and cooking class at Sea Salt, and many others.
