Area chefs will create dishes based on childhood favorites and an auction featuring such items as a baseball bat signed by the late Ernie Banks will take place at this year’s Orland Park Chefs’ Auction Feb. 19.
Young musicians from the Bridge Teen Center of Orland Park, the beneficiary of this year’s auction, also will perform at the 15th annual public event to be held at the Orland Chateau, 14500 S. La Grange Road in Orland Park.
Wooden Paddle Pizza, the Brass Tap, Gatto’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes are new to the auction this year, said Margie Owens-Klotz, communications manager for the Village of Orland Park.
Other participating restaurants include Fox’s Restaurant & Pub in Orland Park, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Jenny’s Steakhouse & Pub, RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurant and Bakers Square. Fine wines and craft beers will be served as well.
Attendees “get to sample signature dishes from all over the area,” said Fox’s general manger Jennifer Kirkby.
Fox’s will be serving a variety of thin-crust pizza and wings with choice of five sauces or dry rubs. For the theme of “Childhood Memories,” Fox’s chefs Juan Castillo and Ross Johnson also will serve a grownup version of mac ‘n’ cheese, a childhood favorite for Rob Steinmetz, who founded the Bridge Teen Center with his wife, Priscilla Steinmetz.
Located at 15555 S. 71st Court in Orland Park, the nonprofit Bridge Teen Center has served more than 3,000 middle and high school students from the south suburbs and northwest Indiana.
“They are a charitable organization that receives no ongoing state or federal funding, relying on money from foundations, companies and churches in the community,” Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin said in a press release.
More Top Picks Best Gas Chainsaws For Home Use
Free programs at the center range from music, painting, photography and martial arts to sign language, science and robotics. One of the most popular is the culinary program.
“We hope the auction will provide visibility for us,” Priscilla Steinmetz said. “The proceeds will be used to keep our doors open and keep it safe. We’re trying to expand this year because we are physically out of room. Our center has grown so much and our programs fill up quick. Last summer all of our programs were full within 48 hours.”
Silent and live auction items include packages donated by participating restaurants, such as a family-style Irish dinner for 20 at Fox’s, plus a guitar autographed by Brooks & Dunn, a weekend stay at Blue Harbor Resort and a ride in a Model A Ford with brunch for eight.
“The Chefs’ Auction is a wonderful way to sample the best dishes from the area’s best chefs,” Trustee Patricia Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee, said in a press release. “It’s a fun night with great food supporting a worthy cause.”
Entertainment will be provided by Ashleigh Ashton, Maria Forsythe and Tyler Brown, students who regularly perform in the Garage, the weekend music venue at the Bridge Teen Center.
Orland Park Annual Chefs’ Auction
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
Where: Orland Chateau, 14500 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park
Tickets: $55, $90 per couple or $600 for a corporate table of 10; available at the Recreation Administration, 14650 S. Ravinia Ave., the Village Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St., and the Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Ct. (708-532-0500)
Information: (708) 403-7275 or orland-park.il.us
Etc.: Business attire required.