It's OK to play with your food

Laurie Coleman focuses on sautéing shrimp for her tablemates.

Karen and Richard Fletcher chat with friends Kathleen and John Cucci before finding their seats for dinner.

Rod Silva enjoys a night with the mother-daughter duo, Bambi and Tin Forristall.

Michelle Gillespie, Ute Ratzel and Jan Ludke enjoy cold cocktails before dinner.

Annette Gueli, Maribeth Phillips and Donna Messina toast to a fun night of food and friends.

Randy and Hope Hahn team up for a seafood meal.

Curt Kasten isn’t a cooking enthusiast, but he’s up to the challenge.

Polo Grill and Bar owner and chef Tommy Klauber and comedian Tim Wilkins lead a cooking demonstration.

Katie and Marshall McLaughlin show off their uniform for the night.

Joe Miller, of the Venice Symphony and Legacy Brass Trio, plays New Orleans-style tunes for attendees.

J.J. Miranda shows off his themed accessories beside his wife, Jodi.

Julie and Lloyd Mosley are ready to get cookin’.

Barbara Peat and Dr. Joseph Rich pose with props in front of Mardi Gras-themed backdrop.

Jessica Petrat jokes with Tim and Ciindy Hayden before finding her seat.

Diana Rothauser dresses for the occasion.

Jenny and Josh Rubisch enjoy the final moments before they roll up their sleeves and whip up a meal.

Veronica Van Dyke, Valentina Kennedy and Katie Fenton show off their dresses and skirts.

Tina Wahlers, Hollie Parks, Bev Kinder, Janet Albright and Jim Stoup dress for the occasion, in comfortable and formal wear.

Andrea Welter, Jennifer Colombo and Amy Jendro show off their sassy sides for a photo opp.

Barbara Zdziarski and Lisa O’Leary share laughs before they get their aprons dirty.