Generous hosts Karen and Bill Seanor welcomed Dallas philanthropic foodies into their home on a picturesque afternoon for the 5th annual Burgers & Burgundy event benefiting DIFFA. John Tesar rounded up his fellow top chefs for a backyard burger affair unlike any other.
Hunter Sullivan and his amazing 14-piece band provided the tunes as guests socialized and chefs churned out some choice burgers. In addition to Tesar himself (Spoon Bar & Kitchen), participating chefs included Samir Dhurandhar (Nick & Sam’s), Sharon Van Meter (3015 Trinity Groves), Tim Byres (Smoke), Patton Robertson (Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck), Kevin Williamson (Ranch 616 in Austin), Patrick Russell (Max’s Wine Dive), Brad Phillips (Asador), Blaine Staniford (Grace) and T.J. Lengnick (Shinsei).
Williamson blew away the competition with his take on a double double served on an English muffin. The meat was the star — grilled to perfection and not masked by fancy ingredients. Tesar took the creativity cake with his spicy catfish sloppy Joe. And the burger served by 3015 Trinity Groves satisfied the Southerners, with pimento cheese, bacon and honey slaw.
Joining DIFFA chairman of the board Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, event chair Noel Rodriguez and honorary chair Terri Provencal were stylish supporters Linda Gray, Debra Nelson, Clint Bradley, Darin Kunz, Tara Harper, Greg Haynes Johnson, Abi Ferrin, Kristi Nelson, LeeAnne Locken, Chuck Steelman, Patrick Ware, John Bobbitt, Ricky Grunden and Simona Beal.
House of DIFFA 2014 chair Jim DiMarino also took the stage to announce that the upcoming theme would be "Masquerade." House of DIFFA will be held on March 29, 2014, at the Omni Dallas. Guests got first dibs on table sales, which will be available to the public at a later date.
Debra Nelson, Linda Gray
