All eyes were on Padma Lakshmi this weekend in the Hamptons as she was honored at this year’s James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne benefit.
The culinary beauty looked stunning in a long white satin dress with a yellow and black graphic print as she took in the event’s food tastings and celebration of participating chefs – and played with her kids in the greenest of Hampton’s grass.
Chefs & Champagne is an annual event, held at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard, that attracts well-heeled Hamptonites for a night of food, food, and more food! (and champagne, of course). Guests have the opportunity to interact with over 35 top chefs from around the country and sample dishes they created specifically for the event. One of our favorites was the Smoked Soy Farm Egg from Bessou’s Emily Yuen. Eggs will never be the same and we’re forever thankful.
There was also a selfie cookie station thanks to the Selffee company. Because, is there anything more fun than eating your own face? Probably, but we sugar-cookied our way through it anyway.
Audi set up cars throughout the tented event which guests could try out – sans Champagne of course. You break it, you buy it? Still, the Champagne Boizel flowed.
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company also served up exotic juices like Blood Orange and Matcha Lemonade for those needing a champagne break. The Royal Cup Coffee and Tea was also on hand to help settle all the amazing food attendees tasted.
A silent auction took place during the event and featured dining experiences, cookware, and culinary travel packages. Money raised during the benefit went to support the James Beard Foundation’s mission, scholarship programs, education, and JBF Impact Programs.
We love good food, but we also love equality. This year’s Chefs & Champagne featured 20 female chefs (out of 35). We’ll cheers to that, any day.