Annual Passions of the Palate Set for April 30 at Lake Terrace Convention Center
Tue, 04/17/2012 - 11:15am | By: Perri Jackson
The University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Casino, Hospitality and Tourism Management has made all the necessary preparations for the 8th Annual Passions of the Palate on Monday, April 30th from 5-9 p.m. at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg.
The evening's featured chef will bring a taste of Chicago to South Mississippi as David Burke's Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh delights guests with a unique five course tasting menu. David Burke's Primehouse redefines the modern American steakhouse by pushing the envelope of culinary creativity.
Gresh was named a “Rising Star of American Cuisine” by the James Beard Foundation in 2001 and, in 2011, was awarded the “Chef Humanitarian of the Year Award” by Plate magazine. Gresh can be seen hosting “Chefs in the Kitchen” streaming on Watch312.com, a new Chicagobased website spearheading internet programming network. Gresh's unrivaled experience only compares to the most highly renowned chefs. Today he continues to document his adventures on his website www.rickgresh.com.
Gresh will co-host the evening with Chicago food lover Amanda Puck who is recognized as a leader in the hospitality, event and public relations industries in Chicago as the EVP of XA, The Experiential Agency. Puck was the Managing Partner of Spago Restaurant and also the two-time Emmy Award winning host of “Check, Please” on WTTW Channel 11 for its first two seasons in 2001 and 2002.
Most recently, Puck continues her culinary journeys as the host of dishIT! with Amanda Puck also streaming on Watch312.com. Puck documents her culinary adventures online via her blogwww.TheFoodarazzi.com: the stalking, loving, overall obsession, and candid photography of prominent, mouth-watering, lip-smacking good food.
Prior to being seated, guests will have the chance to enjoy scrumptious hors d'oeuvres while bidding on silent auction prizes including hotels in New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and much more. Proceeds from the evening's silent auctions and ticket sales benefit University of Southern Mississippi scholarships assisting students' enhancements to the academic program enhancements.
Tickets are priced at $50 per person or per table of 4 ($200), 8 ($400) or 12 ($600). Limited seating is available and table placement is based on date of reservation. For more information call the Department of Casino, Hospitality & Tourism Management at 601.266.6762 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/passionsofthepalate/home