This year’s TACA Lexus Party on the Green Presented by Highland Park Village broke from tradition with a bold move to the Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park at AT&T Performing Arts Center on May 12. With perfect weather for this favorite outdoor foodie soiree, the event, co-chaired by Katherine Wynne and Tia Wynne, attracted more than 700 who dined their way through chef stations, sipped cocktails and libations, bid on silent auction packages and purchased wine at the wine cork pull.
Throughout the evening, TACA-supported organizations performed throughout the outdoor venue for guests. Shakespeare Dallas staged an excerpt from “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” giving attendees a preview of its upcoming summer performance. In the Donor Reflecting Pool, Dark Circles Contemporary Dance danced delightfully to an array of music, charming the many guests who circled the area to watch them. Tap dancers, Katelyn Harris and Sean J. Smith, a Dallas Black Dance Theatre dancer, showcased a lively number.
At the Lexus Lounge, VIP patrons noshed on Dean Fearing’s Carnita Street Tacos with Green Chili Mojo, sipped libations including the special Dean’s Margarita and listened to Michael D. Fitzpatrick, an award-winning international cellist who has performed for the Pope and other dignitaries. Lexus displayed one of its newest models along with virtual reality goggles that simulated driving the automobile.
Some of the notable chef dishes included Chef John Tesar’s King Crab with Various Textures of Garlic (Knife at The Highland Dallas), Chef Drew Swanson’s Chirashi-Don Beef Bowl (Wolfgang Puck Catering) and Chef Sara Griffin’s Road House Burgers with Truffle Fries. Chef Janice Provost’s (Parigi) signature fuchsia enveloped her booth, while she served Savory Basil Panna Cotta with Baby Tomatoes and Pesto. Dessert favorites included Chef Nicolas Blouin’s Chocolate Bar (Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek) and Chefs Gianni Santin and Tida Pichakron’s French Macarons, which was as colorful as they were flavorful (Haute Sweets Patisserie).
As the late night party kicked off, dance party band Studio 54 played and sang lively hits, while the revelers danced until midnight under the stars.
Carlson President and Executive Director Wolford McCue said, “As TACA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we wanted to introduce a new venue where we could showcase organizations we support and expand TACA Party on the Green to even more people. Many people remarked what a wonderful location it was, especially being in the heart of downtown Dallas and in the Dallas Arts District. We also want to thank all those who supported us.”
Special thanks to the chefs and sponsors:
Title Sponsor - Lexus / The Dallas - Ft. Worth Lexus Dealers
Presenting Sponsor - Highland Park Village
Patron Sponsor - The Rosewood Corporation
Cork Pull Sponsor - Bank of Texas
Wristband Sponsor - Frost Bank
Official Airline - American Airlines
Host - AT&T Performing Arts Center
Valet Sponsor - Platinum Parking
Media Sponsors - PaperCity, Texas Monthly, CultureMap, MySweetCharity
Chef Sponsors:
Faye C. Briggs
Carlson Capital, LP
Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Inc.
Gwen and Leldon Echols
Leah and Jim Pasant
Donna Wilhelm
Wynne Transportation
Chefs:
Chef Nicolas Blouin / Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Chef Dean Fearing / Fearing's Restaurant
Chef Lisa Garza-Selcer / Sissy's Southern Kitchen
Chef John Gilbert / G Texas Custom Catering
Chef Sara Griffin / Chelsea Corner
Chef Jeffrey Kollinger / Tillman's Roadhouse
Chef Sader Matheis / Salum Restaurant
Chef Sonny Pache / Ocean Prime and Rosewood Ranches Wagyu Beef
Chef Janice Provost / Parigi
Chef Daniele Puleo / CiboDivino Marketplace
Chefs Gianni Santin and Tida Pichakron / Haute Sweets Patisserie
Chef Drew Swanson / Wolfgang Puck Catering
Chef John Tesar / Knife at The Highland Dallas
Participating Late Night Chef: Mesero
Established in 1967, TACA supports excellence and impact in the arts through grant-making, capacity building, and thought leadership. TACA envisions an innovative, inclusive, sustainable cultural sector, recognized for its essential contribution to a vibrant, prosperous community. For more information about TACA, please call 214-520-3930 or visit taca-arts.org. Connect with TACA on Facebook at facebook.com/taca.arts.dallas or on Instagram at @TACADallas.