Flavors of the Gaslamp

05/20/2011 - 12:00pm

On May 20^th, the Pro Player Foundation entertained over 500 guests at our Fourth Annual Flavors of the Gaslamp.  We created the event to raise awareness and funds for cancer and honor family members who have been lost to this devastating disease.  The 2011 highlighted charity was the Family Reach Foundation who assist children and their families battling cancer at Rady Children’s Hospital.   

The Se San Diego Hotel, a beautiful venue in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, was the setting for our Fourth Annual Flavors. Guests enjoyed sampling delicious tastings from renowned restaurants such as Asti Ristorante, Bice, Blue Ginger, Candela’s, Chocolat, House of Blues, La Fiesta, Monsoon, Morton’s, RA Sushi, Rama, Ruth’s Chris, Suite & Tender and Urban Bar and Grill. ONEHope, the socially conscious wine, sampled wine that paired perfectly with the outstanding event cuisine.

Pro Player Foundation was thrilled Chef Ming Tsai brought the tastes of his restaurant, Blue Ginger, all the way from Wellesley, MA.  The Blue Ginger station featured sautéed baby shrimp on avocado lime puree with spicy mango salsa on a wonton tostada and was an event favorite!   Ruth’s Chris wowed guests with their prime sliders and sweet potato casserole, while Bice Chef Mario Cassineri’s “Risotto style” Barley with Maine Lobster, Fresh Tomato and Burrata Cheese foam did not cease to amaze. The Monsoon station was the most elaborate with tradional Indian decore and bright colors and, of course, food inspired by Chef Popat’s creative use of exotic spices.  “It was the best Flavors event yet,” said volunteer restaurant coordinator Mike Chacon. “I can’t thank the Chefs and restaurants enough for their amazing food!  People have not stopped talking about what a unique and wonderful event it was!”

Guests had the opportunity to take pictures and get autographs from a number of different celebrities including our hosts, Hall of Fame Running back Earl Campbell, Lorenzo Neal, Eric Allen, and Chef Ming Tsai. Other current and former athletes like Quentin Jammer, Jacques Cesaire, Luis Castillo, Darren Bennett, Mat McBriar, Michael Husted, Nick Folk, Mike Goff, Lew Bush, and Peter Clifford were in attendance as well.  A silent auction that boasted over 80 fun and unique items was a highlight of the evening. Guests bid on trips to Las Vegas and Sedona, golf packages, and specialty sports memorabilia items like MVP Derrick Rose’s signed Bulls jersey.

Lorenzo Neal and Eric Allen hosted a very successful live auction with help from friends Ming Tsai, Darren Bennett, and Mat McBriar, as well as Rick Morello, the executive director of the Family Reach Foundation. The auction showcased fabulous items like a trip to Hawaii, an on-field experience during a Chargers vs. Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, and a Beach BBQ at the prestigious Monarch Bay Beach Club.  At the end of the auction, attendees had the opportunity to fund a need for families in San Diego facing cancer, includingrent for a month, groceries for a month and utilities for a month. Hands were raised all over the room and the contributions made will surely change the lives of many people who otherwise may not have found solutions to their challenges.

At the conclusion of the live auction, the entire party was invited to Siren, the hotel’s rooftop pool and Uber Lounge to cap the evening off with dessert and cocktails. Chocolat served their famous gelato, Svedka mixed tasty “Creamsicle” dessert drinks, and Siren’s house DJ had everyone dancing and having a good time until the night was over.

The evening would not have been possible without the help and commitment of our sponsors. We would like give special thanks to Hudson Printing, Le Dimora, Celgene, My Pillow Pets, Davlyn Investments, Sony, ResorTime.com, JetBlue, 1011i.com, Restaurant.com, and Dream Homes Magazines. We salute the restaurants for their culinary genius and the athletes who continue to support Pro Player causes.  Finally, we could not host this event with our amazing Pro Player volunteer team.  Thank you!