The Cook’s Nook once again hosted “Texas Table: A Feast for A Cause” event on February 25, 2025, at Lenoir in South Austin. This event is more than a fundraising dinner — it’s a movement to advance food equity and to support organizations making a real impact in our communities. This was the fourth year and the only event of its kind in the city, focusing on food access, resilience, and health outcomes.
Through a unique culinary experience, Texas Table aims to raise funds that directly help innovative organizations working to strengthen local food systems across Texas. Our mission is to build a broader network of support for nutrition and food access initiatives, combat hunger, address health disparities, and promote sustainable food security for all.
While ticket bookings for the event have officially closed, we are still welcoming generous donations to support the incredible cause behind this event.
Proceeds from this event will directly benefit two impactful nonprofits working toward equity in our community, and allow them to push forward new programs that impact nutrition access and equity:
Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas (AAAHCT) — empowering the Black community through health education, advocacy, and resources to eliminate health disparities.
Austin Youth River Watch (AYRW) — combining environmental stewardship with youth development by mentoring underserved high school students in hands-on environmental education and water quality monitoring.
Fundraising efforts like Texas Table are critical in supporting these organizations’ missions. By attending, guests have contributed to empowering youth, promoting food equity and access, and even protecting the environment — all while enjoying a meaningful evening filled with food, live music, a silent auction, and communal connection.
The event brought together some of Austin’s finest chefs for a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends culture, community, and purpose. Guests enjoyed a carefully curated five-course dinner, each dish inspired by Texas’ diverse culinary traditions and crafted with intention by renowned chefs.
Chef Uyen Pham: We were so honored to have Uyen Pham, Executive Chef and Instructor at the Culinary Institute of America and UNESCO Chef Ambassador, at the event! This culinary mastermind presented the hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour with her special appetizer “Tostaditos with Refried Sweet Potato Puree and Escabeche, Roasted Brassica with Pecan Muhammara and Bulgarian Feta”. Uyen’s culinary expertise and global perspective made her an exceptional addition to this year’s event.
Chef Todd Duplechan: We were thrilled to feature Todd Duplechan, chef and owner of Lenoir, a 2024 Michelin Recommended Restaurant, to Texas Table: A Feast for A Cause! Todd’s culinary expertise and unique approach to blending local ingredients with global flavors make him a standout in Austin’s culinary scene. He’s been named Chef of the Year by Thrillist and Local Hero by Edible Austin. We loved his delicious preparation of “Crab Fingers with Curry Leaf Leche de Tigre & Blue Corn Hush Puppies with Sweet Potato Puree”!
Chef Michael Fojtasek: We were also excited to have Michael Fojtasek, chef and owner of Olamaie, a Michelin Star recipient in 2024, as part of Texas Table: A Feast for A Cause! Michael’s innovative approach to Southern cuisine, rooted in authenticity and elevated techniques, and his super delicious dish “Roast Beef, Beef Fat Caesar with Au Jus” made this evening truly special. Michael was a James Beard finalist — not to mention, his restaurant has been named Austin’s best several times.
Chef Damien Brockway: We were beyond excited to have Damien Brockway, chef and owner of Distant Relatives, a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree, as part of Texas Table: A Feast for A Cause! Known for his innovative fusion of West African and Virginia culinary traditions, Damien’s special dish “BBQ Hog Jowl, Turnip Greens, Charred Orange” for sure have left our guests craving more.
Chef Julie Ratzesberger: We were thrilled to have Julie Ratzesberger, Culinary Manager at The Cook’s Nook, bringing her expertise to Texas Table: A Feast for A Cause! Julie’s passion for crafting culturally relevant, nutritious meals is at the heart of Cultura Cuisine and is one of the driving forces of the nutrition solution program that addresses food insecurity with dignity and choice. Julie presented the delectable dessert of “Chocolate & Peanut Buttercream Layer Cake with Salted Whiskey Caramel Sauce” on this unforgettable evening.
We kicked off the evening in style with a cocktail hour presented by Milam & Greene Whiskey, featuring expertly crafted drinks to set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Plus, our guests also enjoyed amazing pairings with wines from partners such as Wine for the People, elevating each course with exceptional flavors. Live music from the talented Ryan Townsend Trio made the night even more special, creating the perfect ambience for an evening of great food, fine drinks, and lasting impact!
Then bid big and support local youth and community!
Our Texas Table silent auction was filled with exclusive offerings from some of Austin’s most incredible partners, and 100% of the proceeds will support Austin Youth River Watch and Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas, two organizations dedicated to empowering local youth and strengthening our community.
This year’s auction featured packages from:
Milam & Greene Whiskey
Kendra Scott
Independence Brewing
Emmer & Rye
Canje
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Wine for the People
And more!
This event has been more than just an incredible dining experience—an opportunity to make a real impact. Your participation helps fund education, environmental stewardship, and health initiatives for underserved communities in Austin.
Thank you so much to all our guests, sponsors, volunteers and donors to being part of this meaningful celebration of resilience, health equity, and the transformative power of food.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
