Sarasota’s culinary masters join forces at Foodlosophy

Combine fresh, local produce with rustic Southern decor and a dash of organized chaos and you have all the necessary ingredients for Foodlosophy: A Sarasota Culinary Experience.

The unique fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on March 10 was structured as a formal dinner, but the laid-back atmosphere in the ballroom of Michael’s On East made it seem more like an intimate party with around 200 of your closest friends.

Behind the kitchen doors, however, the scene was a little less relaxed. Local chefs hastily grilled, chopped, and garnished alongside the Michael’s On East catering staff to produce six mouthwatering courses for the St. Jude supporters. Although some could be considered competitors outside the venue walls, it was nothing but cooperation when it came time to plate every dish — everyone worked together as a machine, churning out dishes so seamlessly that they could have passed as everyday coworkers.

Guests enjoyed courses by local chefs Christian Hershman of Looped Square Collective LLC., Veth Senenoi of Pacific Rim, Darwin Santa Maria of CeviChela Latin Street Food, Derek Blackburn of SRQ Food Lovers, Erik Walker of Mar Vista and Christine Nordstrom of Sift Bakery — all of home donated their time and energy to be a part of the Memphis-themed event (to learn more about how they prepared, click here).

Between courses, guests had the chance to bid on several silent auction items — including everything from a guitar autographed by members of Florida Georgia Line to a in-home mixology lesson for six by chef Christian Hershman — and listened to plenty of jokes by hosts Les McCurdy and Lulu. Event-goers also got to hear the touching story of Ayden Morgan, who was treated at St. Jude for pilocytic astcocytoma and surprised guests with a rendition of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

After a live auction and paddle raise to continue the generous donations to St. Jude, attendees finished dessert and hit the dance floor.