Southern Affair – Cows ‘N Cab Charity Dinner – Winter Park

Cows n’ Cabs is Winter Park’s biggest charity culinary festival curated by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ David Larue and chef-owner John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse. The collaborative event is inspired by local cuisine with an effort to help break the cycle of poverty in Central Florida.

Last year, the event raised more than $60,000 and this year 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Community Food & Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando.

The signature rustic and western-themed event presented a selection of gourmet samples by an elite group of invite-only, local restaurants and over 200 craft beers and wine tastings.

This was overall a fun event to attend with great live musical performances and a wide variety of bacon and beef dishes to satisfy my down home-style southern BBQ cravings.

K Restaurant: Braised Beef Cheek – “burnt” onion puree and pickled celery salad

The Crooked Spoon: Short Rib Ropa Vieja with Plaintain Mash

The Coop: Coconut Creme, Lemon Box, Banana Creme Pie Shots

Frenchy’s: Assorted Pastries & Croissants

Frenchy’s: Tarragon Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich

Christner’s: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon and King Crab

Cocina 214: Chicken Fajita with Fresh Tortilla & Ceviche

Taverna Opa: Marinated Chicken Kebobs with Herb-Infused Rice

Coffee-Braised Short Rib with Cabernet Tomato Jam and Fennel Citrus Slaw

Hamilton’s Kitchen: Lake Meadow Naturals Lamb Shoulder with Chestnut Puree and Seasonal Vegetables

The Winter Park Fish Co: Seared Ahi Tuna topped with Champagne Takara Plum Jam

Puff ‘n Stuff: Green Egg & Ham – Whiskey Glazed ‘n Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Bacon, & Smoked Cheddar Browns, Smoked Onions, Micro Arugula & Red Beet Sprouts

Cask & Larder: Redeye-Rubbed Steak on Sweet Corn Grits & Tomato Confit

Cask & Larder: Steak Tartar and Fried Oysters

Todd English’s Bluezoo: Calico Scallops – Mangalitsa Bacon, Chestnut Puree, Squash and Pecan Powder

Community Food and Outreach Center
The Community Food and Outreach Center strives to help individuals and families everyday who are fighting to break free from poverty. Their mission is to help those in need in Central Florida transform their lives by providing food, crisis care, opportunities for education and employment, and a hand up during their greatest times of need. And their vision is to see a Central Florida community where every family has access to basic needs, nutritional food, crisis care, education and employment training, and where everyone has the opportunity to achieve a future filled with hope and possibilities.
Website: http://communityfoodoutreach.org/

Elevate Orlando
Elevate Orlando is an educational, civic non-profit designed to meet the complex needs of urban youth in Central Florida, providing both character education classes within the public school systems, as well as after-school mentoring. Their program is able to serve over 750 students in grades 4 – 12 on a weekly basis and the mission of Elevate Orlando is to equip urban youth to graduate with a plan for the future. Elevate Orlando’s goal is to prepare students for personal advancement after high school graduation, helping them to develop a plan for success, and empowering them as the next generation of urban leaders.
Website: http://www.elevateorlando.org/

More information about Cows n’ Cabs: http://www.cowsncabs.com/