But before the reviewing started, Macallan‘s Brand Ambassador Jay Liddell (pictured) with a twinkle in his eye told the group assembled around the newest Porsches on the showroom floor that, “If some of you see me with a glass of whiskey, it’s OK. I’m a professional.”

Then, referring to the week’s topic of interest, Jay said, “In the old days, it was actually safer to drink whiskey than water. So, that’s the health care reform I think we all need.”

Let’s hoist a glass on that one.

Then Pappas Brothers Steakhouse Master Sommelier Barbara Werley (pictured) reviewed the catalog listings for the auction at the Hilton Anatole benefiting the American Heart Association. The items are simply remarkable and set many hearts thumping.

While some were sampling wine and being quite charming, Anita Dickey (pictured) was doing her homework reviewing the catalog and taking notes. This girl is going to be prepared for the auction.

Sponsors for last night’s gathering of wine lovers included Central Market, Macallan, Glazer’s, Park Place Porsche, and Sprinkles.

(WARNING: The luncheon is on the verge of being another sell out. But, of course, when you have former first lady Laura Bush serving as honorary chair, and Dr. Condoleezza Rice as the featured speaker, what else would you expect.)

But we digress. Back to last night’s party.

Looking like a woman who is thriving on success, Genesis Executive Director Jan Langbein, along with  party hostess Erin Mathews (pictured left with Jan Langbein), was at the front door of a Park Cities estate to meet and greet all 300 guests.

Must admit that the real show stopper of the night was the garage with Bentleys, Porsches, Rolls, and other members of the Park Place motor family. The CEO-type guests looked like children on their first visit to a toy store.

Thank heaven for the Shinsei yummies being passed around. Way too delicious. And thank whoever was smart enough to have follow-up servers with platters for used napkins and naked skewers. So much better than trash cans being placed everywhere.

Among the crowd of guests was longtime supporter Paula Minnis (pictured with husband Todd Minnis), who has just launched Gaia for Women. If you love napkins, you’ll love these vintage cloth napkins created by women in need in the Dallas area. They’re made from vintage, repurposed, or sustainable materials. . . Genesis Alliance President Susan McCutchan (pictured) should just have the word “president” tattooed on her forehead. She’s president-elect of the Junior League.

Just bring a gently-used- or new-child’s clothing or toys to Capriccio and you’ll get a ticket into the restaurant’s celebration/fund raiser benefiting Captain Hope’s Kids. Once inside you’ll have “complimentary bites, drink specials, and live music by the Very Verys.”

Answer: After the jump.

But first let’s review the Junior Associates Circle’s “An Affair of the Art 2010″ last Saturday night in which the Dallas Museum of Art’s Atrium Cafe had its own Cinderella transformation. Usually a “casual fare menu, quick service, and a family-friend atmosphere,” it’s the little stepsister of the DMA’s Seventeen Seventeen, that “boasts a global menu experience that can only be defined as culinary artistry.”

While Cinderella had Walt Disney to thank for her night on the town, the Atrium had co-chairs Renne (pictured) and Bill Lokey and Lisa and Wayne Moore orchestrating its bibbiti-bobbiti-boo experience and turning the cavernous room into an elegant ballroom swathed in a palette of colors. Instead of a fairy godmother with a marvelous wand, the co-chairs had decorating maestro Rusty Glenn, who used his Monet side of the brain to create an impressionistic masterpiece. Using pale pink led up lights around the perimeter of the room, the room was cast in colors reminiscent of Haystacks.

Even the centerpieces (pictured) had their lighting fix. Targeted with pin spotting, each of the centerpieces was a little piece of artwork. Think back to Art History 101 and recall Regatta at Argenteuil. With 3′ tall glass cylinders, Rusty used pastel-colored roses, hydrangeas, and tulips to create a sea-like effect for the miniature sailboats to set sail.

Let’s face it. Lighting is everything. Everything and everyone was kicked up a notch thanks to the well-done glow.

To complete the dazzling colors of the room, Rusty created images of clouds on both sides of the incredible Dale Chihuly‘s Persian glass artistry to enhance its presence.

Even the Atrium’s menu had its Cinderella flourish. Usually playing second fiddle to its Seventeen Seventeen stepsister when it comes to gourmet dining, the Atrium’s soups, salads and sandwiches were replaced with roasted beet salad with herbed truffled farmers cheese, scallion crostini, spiced walnuts and coco nibs followed by braised beef short ribs with parmesan cheese polenta and baby glazed carrots and asparagus. Naturally, the courses were accompanied by Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay and Cabernet, respectively. As for the desserts, the sea salt caramels, assorted macaroons and palmiers were available in the Museum’s Concourse.

The final touch that pushed this event over the top was the assembly of 400 of Dallas’ most captivating  pieces of artwork. . . rather, guests. These were not normal human beings. Think Bonfire of the Vanities beautiful people, who have never known a split end or a Clearasil moment. . . especially the women.  In their world, being overweight is as sinful as stealing. Yes, they work hard in their day jobs, but at night, and especially on this night, they put Degas ballerinas to shame. They walk and talk with a splendid confidence that would put the most influential politician on shaky grounds. Somehow these Barbie’s make a bargain dress from Amazon looks like a couture gown straight from New York’s Fashion Week.

Darn it, they just have a way about them that separates them from the rest of the herd.

Shall we review some examples? Ashley Rutledge in a body-embracing Nicole Miller with her buddy Robyn Stevens (pictured right with Ashley) in a taupe flowing Bottega were the golden girl of the night. The girls’ gowns of gold and taupe managed to be just colorful enough without being gaudy against the pastel aura of the Atrium. Heaven, forbid!

Another breaking from the traditional black, white, or red color spectrum that most evening gowns seem to be trapped, Locke Lord’s former Rachel Trowbridge (pictured)  went with a metallic brown/black, bare-shouldered Nicole Miller. Why is she former? Seems she just turned in her two week’s notice and is “going to be a mommy.”

But don’t get us wrong. White is all right if the right people are wearing it. Take for example, fine arts dealer Ashley Tatum (pictured) in a oh-so pure Sue Wong. Perhaps it looked all the whiter next to commercial banker Aimee Nelson‘s burgundy Maria Bianca Nero.

Then there was speech pathologist Allison Edwards (pictured), whose blue evening gown (she just couldn’t remember which designer created it) was totally upstaged by its all-that-glitters-is-not-gold necklace.

Catching the eye of many for attention were adorable Whitney Sprague in a luscious, form fitting leprechaun green gown dancing with Woodward Oge (pictured with Whitney). Don’t you just love that name? It’s reeks of East Coast prep school. Thanks to dysfunkshun junkshun (i.e. the excellent band), Whitney and Woody on the dance floor made Al Pacino and Gabrielle Anwar seem like cloggers. (Sorry that you can’t see too much of the gown, but the twosome seemed pretty inseparable.)

Among the gentlemen, it was a different story. After all, there’s just so much you can do with black tie events, especially within this set. However, there were a couple of incidents that must be acknowledged.

One gent opted for the British form of neck wear instead of the usual black tie. His red ascot made some other fellows wonder if they shouldn’t consider giving it a try. Looked a lot more comfortable than the conventional neck-wrenching bow ties. The chap looked downright casual with his open shirt and soft red scarf.

And then there were the cummerbund controversy. Relax! There were no brightly colored cummerbunds with matching ties in this crowd. Did you think we were back in the 80′s? There were two camps of thoughts regarding waist covers at the event. The traditional types looked more pulled together and, let’s face it, slimmer in their cummerbunds and waistcoats.

The edgier, more contemporary gentlemen, who follow Daniel Craig‘s lead, opted for no waist cover at all. Sadly, many of those opting for the exposed waistband look did not have Daniel’s stomach. Yew, body fat hanging over waistbands was so Dan Conner.

Oh, and you’re still wondering what award went to Yana? Silly! Of all of the lovelies at the event, she had the very, ultimate shortest outfit of the night much to the pleasure of her date husband Arthur and others watching the dance floor. Chrissy came in a close second, though.

“Seniors have been hit especially hard in this economy and we feel a responsibility to help,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We’re proud to support Meals On Wheels programs across the U.S. who work on the front lines of ending senior hunger.”

You just know you’re in for an evening of incredible food and wine already, don’t you?

At this point, we probably need some translation for those of you who slept through your French class.  Les=The, Dames=Ladies, d’Escoffier=of Escoffier. Who was Escoffier? Oh, you so non-cookie type! Legend goes that all haute cuisine and fine dining was started by Auguste Escoffier, considered “The Chef of Kings” and “The King of Chefs.” Besides being a mouthful of a name, Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international organization made up of professional women in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industry.  Funds raised from Raiser Grazer will benefit the Dallas Chapter’s established scholarship program and endowments at five Texas colleges and universities for women in the industry. So far, the ladies have raised more than $1M over the years.

This year’s event will feature:

• California wine women: Joy Sterling (Iron Horse Vineyards), Dolores Cakebread (Cakebread Cellars), Janet Trefethen (Trefethen Family Vineyards), Robin Lail (Lail Vineyards), Amerlia Ceja (Ceja Vineyards), and Kathryn Hall (Hall Wines) and
• Texas wine gals: Susan Auler (Fall Creek Vineyards), Gina Puente-Brancato (La Buena Vida Vineyards and La Bodega Wineries), and Caris Turpen (Lightcatcher Winery).

To complement the palates for these vinos, the following 20 lady chefs will provide samplings:

1. Kay Agnew – Margaux’s A Restaurant by Design
2. Liz Baron – Blue Mesa Grill
3. Dunia Borga – La Duni
4. Shari Carlson – Dessert Dreams
5. Tsuki Caspary Brooks – State and Allen Lounge / Savory Catering
6. Chena Civello – Civello’s Raviolismo
7. Mynetta Cockerell – Milestone Culinary Arts Center
8. Cristiana Ginatta – Paciugo Gelato & Caffè
9. Sharon Hage – York Street Restaurant
10. Michelle Hudson and Andrea Hagar – Food Company
11. Bonnie Itzig – Globex America
12. Mary Kimbrough – Food Roots
13. Paula Lambert – Mozzarella Company
14. Jennifer Brightman Moschel – Brightman Moschel Culinary Consulting
15. June Naylor & Lisa Perini – Cowgirl Cooking from Perini Ranch Steakhouse
16. Louise Owens – Windmill Lounge
17. Janice Provost – Parigi
18. Lori Finkelman Short – SODEXHO
19. Wendy Taggart – Burgundy Pasture Beef
20. Sharon Van Meter – Texas Chefs Association

Plus, the students of El Centro College’s Food and Hospitality Services Institute

Suggestion: Use the North Akard entrance directly across from the Fairmont.

1. Both Norma’s Cafe locations are offering a pancake for each can of food you bring in today and today only. The cans will be donated to an area nonprofit. Do we see pancakes in your dinner plans?
2. The Bisquick folks are flapping their jacks from another angle. It’s a great way to raise funds. Here are the details:

The Bisquick Pancake Nation program will support and reward nonprofit organizations and qualified public or private schools, with a one-time $250.00 grant towards hosting their next pancake breakfast fundraiser in their local community. A list of funding qualifiers and conditions can be found at www.bisquickpancakenation.com.

Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2010.

If you take them up on their offer, let us know. We’re always open for pancake banquets. Don’t forget the syrup!

Now take that image, but instead of a lone urchin, try 1,938 business people, artisans, and colorful-type grownups. And instead of begging for gruel in a dank orphanage, try gourmet soups prepared by 22 chefs and served up at the Meyerson for the North Texas Food Bank‘s “Empty Bowl.”  Hard to imagine? It was harder to get in last Friday. But the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. lunch was well worth it since it resulted in a 14% increase in funds raised ($164,102.74) for the North Texas Food Bank and a 44% percent increase in attendance at this year’s soup line-up!

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bit challenging even for the most well-meaning projects. The first sign of over achievement was trying to get a parking space. Despite “Event Parking” signage directing people to the Cathedral parking lot, drivers were turned away and eventually the sign was removed.

Smart drivers parked in the Meyerson’s parking lot and entered through the lower level, where no food was served, but potter Steve Sprinkle and wood carver Brian Evans (pictured in leprechaun green with Steve) were busy making what else but bowls. There was also a silent auction and bowls for purchase. This scene was the calm before the mosh pit of humanity upstairs.

Up on the ground level, the lobby of the Meyerson that is usually occupied by posh symphony types was crammed, jammed, and slammed with people wandering with bowls in need of filling. Think Cowboys Stadium Party Pass on September 20 without the anger but with lots of delicious soup being doled out. Due to minimal seating, people were camping out on the steps leading to the upper level. The lines of people snaking around the lobby reminded one of the early days of the H1Ni vaccine distributions. Patiently people waited for their soup especially at the Baylor Heart & Vascular Hospital booth, which won the 2010 People’s Choice Award.

Another long line was formed for the Pacuigo booth. When you think of it, ice cream is simply frozen soup.

One poor television camera guy was so distracted by the crowd, he didn’t see the stanchion in the entry and toppled across the marble floor. Both he and the camera made a quick recovery and made a quick exit.

In the hallway leading to the Opus restaurant, there was no stopping. Once you joined up the movable feast of people with bowls of soup, you had no choice but to go with the flow. Occasionally, folks would make a break from the flow of soupers for one of two sides. On the side backed by the windows were booths with chefs offering clam chowder, Bock beer, and an assortment of soups. On the other side of the hallway, the bar was covered with cases of RC, Sunkist, A&W, and 7-Up. Quickly people learned how to gulp their soup, flow, and avoid getting elbowed. One person muttered, “I hope no one shouts ‘Fire.’” He quickly drew nasty looks from all within earshot.

And then there were people like Children’s Medical Center’s VP Brett Lee (pictured) who managed to duck into an alcove to make a call. Even then it was hard to hear because masses of people tend to make noise.

But there was light at the end of the tunnel. . . huh, hallway — an oasis of tranquility. In the Opus seating area, there were tables with tablecloths and people sitting, chatting and finishing off their soup. It was open and free of crowding. The baby grand piano was swathed in a black cloth with a sign reading, “No food or drink on piano please thank you (sic)”.

Staff walked around with large garbage bags collecting used Styrofoam bowls. Approaching one TWIT (Trophy Wife In Training) guest, who really wasn’t paying attention, a staff member said, “Trash?” TWIT whirled around with a shocked expression and said, “I beg your pardon.” Then she saw the bag and sheepishly tossed in her now-empty bowl.

Surprisingly, the second level of the Meyerson was set up with tables and only half had guests. Was no one aware of this available seating? No, this event was one where you wanted to be in the soupers’ mosh pit because there were so many interesting people. Potter Maria Renna bought a green bowl that she held with pride as she and Fran Badgett (pictured right with Maria) waited in line to check out. . . Event Partnerships Coordinator Julie Boehm was having a grand time chatting with an old friend and then burst into a quick operatic shout out that filled the lobby’s atmosphere.  . . Nasher Sculpture Center’s Jane Offenbach in a long hounds-tooth coat had no problem breezing through the hallway crowd of people leaving some to wonder, “How did she do that?” . . . But the #1 eye catcher of the day was Dick Glockner, but it’s nothing new to Dick. After all when you wear kilts, you know that you’re going to draw some second looks especially in February. He admitted that he’s become quite accustomed to the looks and questions. When the most obvious question was broached, Dick got a twinkle in his eye before the question was finalized and answered, “A lady doesn’t ask what a man wears under his kilts.” Well, we were nicely put in our ladylike place.

But there was no question that it was a memorable and record-breaking event. Thanks to the following groups, 656,410 meals will be served to North Texas in the days ahead:

• Restaurants — Baylor Heart & Vascular Hospital, Big Shucks, Blue Mesa, Bolla at the Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa, Boudreaux’s, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Celebration Market & Restaurant, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas/Sodexo, Dave & Buster’s, Dining at the Meyerson, Gordon Biersch, Great Harvest Bread Co., Greenz, salads for z’ adventurous, JD’s Chippery, Morton’s The Steakhouse Dallas, North Texas Food Bank Community Kitchen, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Paciugo Gelato & Caffè, Royal Cup Coffee, The Place at Perry’s, Tom Thumb, and Wolfgang Puck Catering
• Presenting Sponsor — Tom Thumb
• Sponsors — Official Go Green Sponsor VHA, Benefactors Alliance Data, Andrews Kurth, BBVA Compass Bank, Dave & Buster’s, and Grant Thornton
• Supporters — Comerica, Lockheed Martin, Post Properties, and Urology Associates of North Texas
• Donors– WFAA, WBAP, City Color, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Urban Floral Design Studio, and Fun Factory Events
• Lower Level Reserved Tables — Kelly Oil Company, Mullis Newby Hurst, Pizza Inn, Rita Carlile, KPMG/Wanda Etheridge, KPMG/Steve Chase, Jean Inman, and Ray Hemmig

It’s all part of the kick off for a month-long campaign to benefit WOKC by Jersey Mike’s.

“This is a very important cause for us – many of the Jersey Mike’s store owners in the Dallas area have children and we can’t imagine what these parents and children with cancer go through every day,” said Julie Chaump, Jersey Mike’s Dallas co-op president. “Along with the generous support of our customers, we plan to make a difference one sub at a time.”

During the month the 11 participating Jersey Mike’s will contribute 25 cents for each regular sub and 50 cents for each giant sub sold, in addition to special donation buckets. On the final day (Friday, March 12):

“Dallas resident are also invited to help make a difference by making a minimum contribution of a dollar to WOKC in exchange for a free regular sub. . . although the hope is that customers will respond by giving even more.”

Just to be on the safe side of today’s event, call 972-387-1900 to make sure that it’s still on. We suspect it is, but we also know you want to double check us.

And, my lovelies, you’re probably asking how these two could partner up for Valentine’s Day? Well, the Boston folks will sell heart-shaped pizzas (pictured) and desserts February 12-14 and donate $1 for each item to JDRF.

According to Boston’s COO Mike Best, “Working with charitable organizations is a cornerstone of Boston’s, and it provides an opportunity for local franchisees to engage, support and give back to the communities they serve. We hope to surpass last year’s benchmark of $31,000 as we continue our partnership with JDRF to raise awareness and funding for type 1 diabetes research.”