Chef’s event with a twist – Central Florida’s finest chefs showcased their creativity and raised nearly $150,000 to benefit the children and families of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.
Appetite for the Arches is a fundraiser benefiting the Central Florida Ronald McDonald House Charities, and participating chefs were given the challenge to create an assortment of culinary delights using McDonald’s® ingredients.
At the first-ever Appetite for the Arches event hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida on March 1, over 350 guests enjoyed a chef’s event with a twist…one that had a little something to do with the Golden Arches. Chefs from thirteen of Central Florida’s finest restaurants created signature dishes using McDonald’s® ingredients.
Attendees also enjoyed live music and a silent auction featuring a wide variety of unique items. The event raised nearly $150,000 for the two Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando and the families they serve.
Participating restaurants included:
· Blue Bird Bake Shop
· SeaWorld Orlando
· Cask & Larder
· The COOP
· Cuisiniers Catering
· The Ravenous Pig
· Eddie V’s
· The Ritz-Carlton
· K Restaurant
· The Rusty Spoon
· LUMA on Park
· Yardbird
· Orlando World Center Marriott
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida (RMHCCF) finds, creates and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families with their cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House provides assistance for families with children receiving treatment at local hospitals and medical facilities in Orlando. Helping families stay together, offering comfort, stability and significant cost savings in travel, accommodations and meals.
To keep their doors open 365 days a year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida rely on community support and donations to ensure that no family is ever turned away. There are two Ronald McDonald House locations in Orlando – one on the campus of Florida Hospital for Children and the other on the campus of Arnold Palmer Medical Center. The houses serve approximately 1,800 families each year. For more information, and to volunteer or donate to this wonderful organization, visit: https://www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org
SeaWorld Parks & Resorts – Chef Hector Colon
Carolina Pulled Pork Arepas – Cilantro coleslaw, Southern jalapeno potato salad
McDonald’s Ingredients: Hotcakes, french fries, cream garlic sauce, pickles, mayonnaise, onions, chipotle BBQ sauce 
Cuisiniers | Catered Cuisine and Events – Chef Jamie McFadden
Cuisiniers Panzanella: Grilled sesame bun, cucumber, tomatoes
McDonald’s Ingredients: Big Mac buns, biscuits, cucumber slices, tomatoes, spring mix, Italian vinaigrette
Cask & Larder – Chef James Petrakis
Brandade Fritter – Bolognese, smoked tomato jam
McDonald’s Ingredients: Fish filets, hamburger, pork sausage, steak, bacon, tomatoes
Luma On Park – Chef Brandon McGlamery
Le Big Mac – Coca-Cola glazed short ribs, bone-marrow, potatoes, braised lettuce, sesame seed tulle
McDonald’s Ingredients: Coca-Cola, romaine lettuce, pickles
The Ravenous Pig – Chef Julie Petrakis
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Oatmeal raisin streusel, bourbon ice cream
McDonald’s Ingredients: Caramel sauce, cinnamelts, apple slices, oatmeal raisin cookies, milk, eggs, lemons, vanilla ice cream
Orlando World Center Marriot – Chef Brian “Butta” Stalters
Spicy Bang-Bang Arch Chicken: Spicy Thai noodle with pickled veggies
McDonald’s Ingredients: Spicy hot breaded chicken, cucumber slices
K Restaurant – Chef Kevin Fonzo
Chipotle BBQ Beef Enchilada – Caramelized onions, southwestern veggies
McDonald’s Ingredients: Steak, tortillas, tomatoes, cheese, iceberg lettuce, southwest veggies, chipotle BBQ, onions
The Rusty Spoon – Chef Kathleen Blake
Pimento Cheese Potato Fritter with Bacon Brittle
Yardbird | Southern Table & Bar
Pork Belly McGriddle Cake – Bacon, quail egg, green tomato and McGriddle cake
Blue Bird Bake Shop – Chef Jeff, Joel, Josh
Strawberry Balsamic Cupcakes & Oatmeal Butterscotch Whoopie Pies
Eddie V’s – Chef Eric Enrique
Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Coop – John Rivers
Chicken N’ Biscuits & Baked Pimento Cheese Grit Squares
The Ritz-Carlton – Chef Stephane Chermay
Strawberry Shortcake
