Saturday, September 7, 2019

Burgers & Burgundy Announce 2019 Theme

Chef John Tesar | Photo Joseph Brewster
Burgers & Burgundy, presented by Celebrity Chef John Tesar and Terri Provencal, will take place at Klyde Warren Park on October 11, 2019. Twelve renowned chefs will convene at the events’ new venue to serve unique slider and wine pairings to patrons and guests.

I am excited about this year’s event because I love a theme! Event Chairs Christopher Baker and Robert Lee have chosen a Feather Fete theme, and all patrons are invited to incorporate feathers into their looks for the evening.

“As we head into the 30th year of House of DIFFA, we have challenged ourselves to offer our patrons the most thoughtful, over the top and FOMO-worthy experiences throughout the season, and Burgers & Burgundy will be just that,” says Baker and Lee. “We’re excited to host the event in a brand-new venue with a larger capacity to allow for even more patrons to attend the historically sold out event and continue to increase the amount of funds raised to serve those who are affected by HIV/AIDS across North Texas.”


Photo: Joseph Brewster


The burger and wine pairings will be prepared by Chef John Tesar and 11 other renowned national and local chefs. The chefs have been tasked with the challenge to serve up the best burger sliders and complement them with the wine of their choice. Chefs will use 44 Farms protein and Empire Baking Co. hamburger buns to create the ultimate slider. After enjoying the sliders, guests can end their evening on a sweet note with delicious gelato from Botolino Gealto. Wine, beer, champagne by Impeccable Brut Rosé and specialty cocktails presented by Diageo will also be available. Some of the chefs participating in this year’s event include:

  •  John Tesar (Knife, Knife Burger) 
  •  Jim Smith (Executive Chef of the State of Alabama) 
  •  Joshua Smith (Boston, MA) 
  •  Blaine Staniford (Grace) 
  •  Sharon Van Meter (3015 Trinity Groves)
  •  Luke Rogers (Savor Restaurant) 
  •  Rodman Shields (Stirr, Vidorra, Citizen) 
  •  Jacob Williamson (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck) 
  •  Samir Dhurandhar (Nick and Sam’s) 

 The night will also include the reveal of the DIFFA/Dallas 2019-2020 Style Council Ambassadors, DIFFA Legends, and this season’s House of DIFFA theme. Style Council Ambassadors serve as DIFFA/Dallas representatives in the community during their 2019-2020 season. They are charged with the task of helping DIFFA/Dallas raise awareness about the organization’s cause, as well as continue efforts in the education and prevention of HIV/AIDS throughout North Texas. Ambassadors are asked to donate their time to various AIDS Service Organizations across North Texas to become better educated about those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Along with their time, Ambassadors are crucial in aiding DIFFA/Dallas fundraising efforts. Burgers & Burgundy takes place Friday, October 11 from 6:30-10 pm at Klyde Warren Park. The night will also offer a silent auction featuring experiences from the hottest restaurants around town, including cooking classes, unique experiences and more. Additionally, Savor will host the official Burgers & Burgundy After Party with drink and food specials available to attendees after the event. This year’s Burgers & Burgundy will include a VIP experience, sponsored by Southwest Funding, LP, available for $300 per person, which provides patrons with private food and beverage servers and a meet & greet with the chefs. The price for General Admission to Burgers & Burgundy is $150 per person. For more information please visit http://www.diffadallas.org/or call 214-748-8580.