Culinary Leaders Toast Texas Cuisine on Opening Night of 5th Annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival

Tickets for April 5 Dinner at Reata Restaurant on sale March 1

FORT WORTH, TX – On Thursday, April 5, ten culinary leaders – including five former Reata chefs – will reunite at Reata Restaurant in Sundance Square for an exclusive dining tribute to Texas cuisine, featuring the legendary cowboy chef Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse. (https://store.periniranch.com/)

Five former Reata chefs will join the restaurant’s current culinary crew for the celebratory evening, including:

• Andrew Dilda – Culinary Consultant (Reata 2015-2016)
• James Gaines – Reata Restaurant (Reata 2014 – present)
• Tim Love – Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Love Shack, White Elephant Saloon and Woodshed Smokehouse (Reata 1999-2000)
• Brian Olenjack – Eagle Mountain Tavern (Reata 1996-1998)
• Juan Rodriguez – Magdelena’s (Reata 2007-2015)
• Grady Spears – Horseshoe Hill Café (Reata 1995-2001)

 Additional special guests will include:

• JR Clark – Central Market (Reata service manager, 1999-2003)
• Glen Keeley – Thompson’s Bookstore & Poag Mahone’s Irish Pub (Reata bar manager, 2002-2008)
• Lindsey Lawing – Sweet Lucy’s Pies (Reata server and bartender, 2009-2015)

The evening will begin with a sunset reception and group toast on Reata’s rooftop at 6:00 p.m., followed by a multi-course dinner in the main dining room at 6:45 p.m.  Live music will be provided by Rob Baird, Reata food runner (2006) while a student at Texas Christian University. (http://robbairdmusic.com)

• Seating will be limited to approximately 150 people.
• Cost is $140 per person, including wine pairings, tax and gratuity.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Foundation. The fifth annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival kicks off that same night and runs through Sunday, April 8. (http://fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com)