Dallas: Inaugural Park and Palate a Haute Success

Park and Palate, held at Klyde Warren Park September 25 and 26, was a raging success. While we don’t have information on the numbers of people who attended the two day fundraising event, we know that the park was packed both Friday night and Saturday afternoon. We were there and we’ve got the inside info.

Photo Credit: Erynne Nicole Photography

Friday night was perfect for Down to the Roots, a competition for the best comfort food. Clear and comfortable, we couldn’t have ordered a better evening. The culinary tug-of-war between several well known chefs vying for the grand prize of custom made boots was too close to call for the average person. The food was as incredible as expected and we were glad that we weren’t judging.

Photo Credit: Marye Audet

Our personal favorites were the peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwiches with edible glitter, the chicken fried antelope, and the bitters soaked chocolate cake with Luxardo cherries. Judges Amanda Freitag (Chopped), Patricia Sharpe (Texas Monthly), and Tyler Seguin (Dallas Stars) had the difficult chore of making the final decision.

We listened to the Paul Thorn Band, under the bright stars, as we sipped a refreshing vodka gimlet and watched the flow of people as they danced, laughed, and partied it up.

Photo Credit: Erynne Nicole Photography

Saturday’s events started at noon and the day was glorious in every way. More chefs and restaurants were represented, as well as plenty of wines and spirits. We drifted from spot to spot tasting everything at least once and several things twice. Saturday’s highlight, in our opinion, was the Strawberry Basil Custard Parfait with adorable mini basil macarons on the top from Bisous Bisous. The BLT marcarons from Bolsa were as indescribable as they were irresistible. Danyele McPherson of Remedy provided the creamiest ice cream imaginable topped with crispy black sesame.

Photo Credit: Erynne Nicole Photography

There were several chefs doing cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Tiffany Derry made us adore her with her bright sense of humor and cooking expertise as she “demystified duck”. The aroma of that perfectly crisp duck wafted through the air creating tummy rumbles. It was time to head back to get more food. Both the food and the drinks seemed endless. Just when we thought we were finished Talenti Gelato handed us a cup full of cold, creamy goodness — and who were we to say no?

Photo Credit: Erynne Nicole Photography

During the day Amanda Freitag signed copies of her new book, The Chef Next Door. Other chefs did book signings as well but we have to admit, with just a little embarrassment, that we were so star struck by Amanda Freitag that we can’t remember who they were. Between our self-induced food coma, copious amounts of wine and cocktails, and the stream of great music from DJ Lucy Wrubel, we didn’t know our own names by the end of the day.

Photo Credit: Erynne Nicole Photography

All of the proceeds from the weekend will go to supporting Klyde Warren Park and the various activities (well over 3,000 per year) that go on there. It was an amazing experience and we are looking forward to next year with great anticipation. In the meantime, we plan to visit each Dallas area eatery that was involved. The tasting that we did wasn’t nearly enough. Mark your calendars now because next year’s event is sure to be at least as good as this one — and you won’t want to miss one minute.