Keels and Wheels Uncorked

Classic cars, vintage boats along with scrumptious delights were on display as philanthropy took center stage at the 5th Annual “Keels and Wheels Uncorked” event benefiting The Boys & Girls Harbor at Rolls Royce/Bentley Houston. This year’s Master of Ceremonies, Sam Malone, along with 250 guests helped raise approximately $50,000 for children and families in crisis while enjoying a variety of classic car inspired gourmet hors d’oeurves and premium wine.

Four of Houston’s top chefs created custom dishes and wine to complement a classic vehicle that will be featured in the upcoming Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance on May 3 & 4 at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas.

Carmelo Mauro of Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano’s combined gnocchi potato pasta with black truffles and parmesan to pair with a Beni di Batasiolo Granee 2010 wine. This combination was made to complement a 1960 Maserati Birdcage owned by Ken Dougherty.
A 1934 Chevrolet Street Rod owned by Brandon Smith, was the inspiration for Triniti Restaurant’s culinary creation of duck mushroom meatball sliders with stroganoff, red onion, yam frisee and pan de mie mahon. Chef Ryan Hildebrand paired this with a refreshing glass of Bianca Vinga Prosecco.
Mark Cox of Mark’s American Cuisine was given a 1957 Lincoln Convertible owned by Ron Hickman and a 1947 Garwood “My Fair Lady” boat owned by Dave Parker to use as inspiration for his dishes. Uncorked guests had the pleasure of trying two dishes: a crab and shrimp cocktail with an Asian salad mix and a tarro root crisp followed by a honey semifreddo with peaches flambé and caramel bourbon sauce. These dishes were paired with a Sheldrake Point Riesling, a Finger Lakes 2011 wine.
Scott French of Mister French’s Gourmet Bakery created a four foot cookie replica of a 1998 Grand Prix owned by Grand Prix of Houston. The replica included vanilla cookie bon bons decorated as mini wheels covered in dark, milk and white chocolate. A glass of Foyt Family Wines No. 67 Chardonnay accompanied this sweet creation.

All four restaurants were spotlighted for their creativity and efforts, but generosity took precedence during the live and silent auctions. Top live auction items included a $3,600 trip to the beautiful island of Bali, a $7,500 private cocktail seminar by Cognac Ferrand USA, a $5,000 quail hunting trip including a hunting shotgun from Coastal Wild Wings and a $3,500 weekend romance package containing a stay at Magnolia Hotel, a wine basket, a dinner at Damian’s and an Infiniti Q50 rental. Additionally, a beautiful 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Club Coupe was featured as a preview of the Motostalgia auction taking place on May 2.

Concours chairman Bob Fuller and his wife, Judy joined Darryl and Linda Wischnewsky of Bayway Auto Group – Lincoln; Antonio Brunet of Motostalgia; Dave Hopson of Triumphus; Saxon Financial Group President, Richard Saxon; John Merrifield, Business Development Coordinator at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; Lakewood Yacht Club Commodore and Keels & Wheels Director Tom & Sue Collier; Houston Magazine Publisher Peter Remington; Sam Malone; Boys & Girls Harbor Board Director, Fred Wharlich; and Keith and Melinda Landsness.

The success of the 5th Annual Uncorked is due to the efforts of Event Chairs Paul and Amy Dunphey and event manager Erin Brown.

Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is a weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show that takes place each spring at the Lakewood Yacht Club, at 2425 NASA Parkway, in beautiful Seabrook, Texas. Founded by Lakewood Board Members Bob Fuller and Paul Merryman in 1995, today Keels & Wheels welcomes approximately 200 cars and 100 boats. Named one of the Best Auto Events of 2014 by MSN.com, Keels & Wheels has raised more than $1.3 million for local charities, while drawing thousands of participants and spectators from all over the U.S. and Europe.

Proceeds from the 2014 event will again benefit the Boys & Girls Harbor, whose mission is to provide a home and safe environment for abandoned and abused children and healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis. For more information please visit www.keels-wheels.com.