Keels & Wheels Uncorked 2015

Philanthropy took center stage at the 6th Annual “Keels and Wheels Uncorked” event benefiting The Boys & Girls Harbor at Rolls Royce/Bentley Houston on Thursday, March 27. This year’s Master of Ceremonies, Sam Malone, along with 150 guests helped raise more than $40,000 for children and families in crisis while enjoying a variety of classic car inspired gourmet hors d’oeurves and premium wine.

1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I Regent

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 2nd and 3rd at the Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, TX.

Carmelo Mauro of Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano combined Pollo Ossobuco over wild mushroom risotto to pair with a Pinot Grigio San Angelo Banfi wine. This combination was made to complement a 1961 Ferrari 250GTE owned by Bob Weiner.

A 1954 Mercedes 220A Cabriolet owned by Ray Bruck, was the inspiration for Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar. Chef Giancarlo Ferrara prepared a variety of bites including mussels and calamari gratin with herbs, tomatoes, parmesan cheese and lemon dressing; lamb terrine with crostini of chickpeas and grain mustard aioli; Mimi tart with Burrata cheese and eggplant caponata; fried ravioli with braised beef short ribs and ricotta cheese; and a roast pork belly glazed with balsamic vinaigrette reduction and micro green salad over crostini. These were paired with a wonderful Prosecco by Stefano Farina.

Mark Cox of Mark’s American Cuisine was given a 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I Regent owned by Henry Hensley to use as inspiration for his dishes. Uncorked guests had the pleasure of trying two dishes: a seafood salad with fennel, mustard frill and Grey Poupon as well as curry chicken salad, with pickled grapes in a sesame cone. These dishes were paired with a Geisweiler Brut sparkling wine.

Mister French’s Table

Scott French of Mister French’s Gourmet Bakery created color coordinated milk and dark chocolate cookies bon bons to match a 1954 Packard Caribbean owned by Jon Hodges. A glass of Barefoot Prosseco accompanied these sweet creations.

All four restaurants and car owners were recognized for their tremendous efforts and generous contributions to the event. The generosity did not stop there as the Uncorked guests contributed to the evenings success by bidding on a wonderful variety of live and silent auction items.

Concours Chairman Bob Fuller and his wife, Judy, Concours Director and Uncorked Chairman Paul Dunphey and wife, Uncorked Co-Chair Amy Dunphey; Concours Director Tom Timmins and wife, Ev Timmins; Concours Director Jim Sweeney and Concours Event Manager Laura Power joined Boys & Girls Harbor President Don Sweat; Boys & Girls Harbor Board Chairman Gladney Darroh; Boys & Girls Harbor Director of Development Richard Gruen; Seabrook City Councilman Gary Johnson and wife Lisa Johnson; Carolyn Faulk of The Faulk Foundation; Tim Ryan of Banfi Wines, Boys & Girls Harbor Board Members Diane Englet, Ken Womack, Fred Pelle and Chris Robb; and artist, Scott Figuerido.

Photos & Story Courtesy of Keels & Wheels.

Bob Fuller, Concours Chairman standing with 1961 Ferrari 250GTE

Mark’s

Richard Gruen Director of Development & Communications Boys & Girls Harbor

Scott French of Mister French’s Gourmet Bakery with milk and dark chocolate cookies bon bons

Amalfi

Sam Malone

Carmelo’s serving pollo ossobuco over wild mushroom risotto to pair with a Pinot Grigio San Angelo Banfi wine

1954 Mercedes 220A Cabriolet

Don Sweat, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Harbor