August 1, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Kim Johnson, Executive Director

Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center

The Sister Dulce Foundation, Inc.

225.752.8480

 

 

Participating Chefs Named for 2013 Dining By Design Event

Benefitting Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center 

Chef John Folse and Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center are proud to announce the slate of chefs participating in the fifth annual Dining by Design event in Baton Rouge, LA on Sunday, August 25^th beginning at 4:30 p.m.  This gourmet luxury dining experience (held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge) combines the chef’s culinary artistry with the creativity of local designers and florists to create a visual and edible feast for the eyes and palate.  This fundraising event will benefit Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center.  

Annually, six national chefs and four Louisiana chefs are selected for participation in this upscale event.  The national chefs each serve a chateau-style table of 20 guests who have paid handsomely ($1,000 per ticket) for the privilege of tasting an exquisite meal prepared through their culinary genius.  The talent and spirituality of local designers are seen on every table through their imaginative floral creativity.

In 2001, Sister Dulce Maria was accepted into the Baton Rouge religious community by then Bishop Alfred Hughes who is now New Orleans Coadjutor Archbishop.  Through Sister Dulce’s mission of caring for the sick and dying, as well as offering spiritual guidance to those who seek the Lord, more than 12,000+ souls have been touched by her healing hands.  Global visitors have sought Sister from places as far away as Russia.  Every Tuesday is “cancer night,” when she receives telephone calls from terminally ill people.  Some have seen Sister at her office; others have only heard of her special gift and believed. 

“I’ve seen patients from all over the world,” said Sister Dulce Maria.  “Many healing miracles have occurred of body and soul.  And, I have witnessed many conversions.  I am just so grateful to God that he continues to send chefs every year who graciously give their time and talent to help us raise funds to keep the ministry going.”

The Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center is located on 51 acres in south Baton Rouge.  The growing campus consists of an office building, convent and chapel with plans for meditation trails in development.  Cypress Springs is open to all the faithful regardless of religious affiliation.  No one is turned away.

Each diner is served either an appetizer or soup course that must include shrimp as an ingredient.  A salad course follows with a meat course of beef tenderloin and a dessert finale.  

“The creativity of each chef is remarkable,” said Chef John Folse, Board Member of The Sister Dulce Foundation, Inc.andmanaging partner and co-executive chef with Chef Rick Tramonto of Restaurant R’evolution in New Orleans.  “We basically give the chefs two ‘must use’ ingredients:  shrimp and beef tenderloin.  Their creativity explodes from there.”

The Dining by Design national chef roster for 2013 is:

 

NATIONAL CHEFS

Chef Stephen PylesDallasFounding Father of Southwestern Cuisine

Pierre Sauvaget Los Angeles Los Angeles Tennis Club

Jared Van CampChicagoOld Town Social and Nellcôte

Peter TimminsEverglades City, FLThe Everglades Sportsman’s Club

Charles CarrollHoustonRiver Oaks Country Club

Seth ShipleyBoca Grande, FLThe Gasparilla Inn & Club 

 

Participating Louisiana chefs creating $500 per seat dinners for 30 people per chef include: Peter Sclafani, executive chef at Ruffino’s Italian Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Ruffino’s on the River in Lafayette; Chris Lusk, chef de cuisine at Restaurant R’evolution in New Orleans; Dondi McNulty, executive chef at Little Village in Baton Rouge; and Peter Page, executive chef at Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans.  Folse creates the menu for the remaining 400-plus guests at $200 per plate.

The national chefs’ tables will be designed by Jake’s on the Avenue Floral Designs & Gifts;Red Door Interiors;Coles’ Floral Design; Peregrin’s Florist & Decorative Services; Eduardo J. Jenkins, Landscape Architect & Planner;and Cole Baker Limited.  

The Louisiana chefs’ tables will be designed by Harb’s Oasis; Interior Design Associates; Nolan Kimble Interiors; and Bee’s Wedding and Event Floral Designs (New Orleans). 

Chef Folse’s tables will be designed by Nancy Zito Interiors; Beth Allee Interiors; Designs by Milissa; SoHaus Interior Design; and The Foyer.  

A pre-event, Chillin’ & Grillin’, will be held on Sat., Aug. 24^th from 6 – 8 p.m. at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge.  For $50 guests can meet the chefs and designers as well as enjoy a delicious Chef John Folse meal and beverages from Mockler Beverage Company.  There will also be two raffles.  The Restaurant Raffle of 12 dining gift certificates includes participants such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, California Pizza Kitchen, City Café of Baton Rouge, Capital City Grill, The Mansion Restaurant at NottowayPlantation & Resort (White Castle), Chick-fil-A, C. Moran’s Restaurant (Fourchon), Frank’s and Morel’s Restaurant (New Roads).  The “Divine Wine” raffle includes 12 bottles of wine from donors such as Bin 77 Bistro & Wine and Black Castle Vineyard.  Tickets for each individual raffle are only $5.  (Winners need not be present to win.)

To purchase tickets for either event or raffle or for more information contact Joyce Chaney at 225.752.8480.

 

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