Richard Chamberlain
When it comes to Cotes du Coeur, the American Heart Association‘s annual wine-centric fundraiser, Chef Richard Chamberlain has an enviable job.
Beginning next week, Chamberlain and the event’s other organizers will sit down, sip fabulous wines and decide which foods will best complement them for the fundraiser’s April gala dinner.
When I talked with Chamberlain last week, he told me the menu-planning process consists of sampling buttery chardonnays and hearty cabernets while imagining them paired with, say, scallops or short ribs. In many cases, Chamberlain knows the specialties of the other Cotes chefs, so the right dish usually springs to mind.
Chamberlain readily admits he never tires of the fun he has working with great people who support a special cause. He’s been involved with Cotes du Coeur since the 1990s, when he participated as an invited guest. He recalls being at a table where beautiful wines such as Stags’ Leap and Camus were being poured—and how disappointed he was when they were paired with dried-up chicken. He approached the event’s organizers and proposed that he help “take it up a notch.”
Since then, Chamberlain has had broad involvement in Cotes du Coeur, from recruiting other top chefs to putting together the packages that will be sold at the auction. He says it’s the wineries’ generosity– accommodations, tours, and wines–that help make Cotes du Coeur’s fundraising so successful each year.
Chamberlain has watched as the Dallas event has grown in prestige and excellence. Last year, despite the tough economy, more than 1000 people attended the Gala and helped the American Heart Association raise huge sums to support the AHA’s nonprofit missions.
Chamberlain and his colleagues hope this year’s Gala fundraising event will continue to build on that success.
Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House
Cotes du Coeur will be held at the Hilton Anatole on April 10. Richard Chamberlain’s restaurants include Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House and Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill, both in Addison. For more Cotes du Coeur information, visit www.dallaswineauction.com.
Rebecca Marmaduke is Cotes du Coeur Editor for EscapeHatchDallas.
Here’s a list of wineries and chefs scheduled to participate:
FEATURED WINERIES
Benovia Winery
Chappellet
Château Pontet-Canet
Coquerel Family Wine Estates
Coup De Foudre Winery
Dr. Loosen
Egelhoff Wines
Gargiulo Vineyards
Hidden Ridge
Hill Family Estate
J. Bookwalter Winery
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
JUSTIN Vineyards & Wine
Karl Lawrence Cellars
Luca
Lungarotti
Morlet Family Vineyards
O’Brien Estate
Panther Creek Cellars
Renteria
Revana Family Vineyards
Robert Mondavi Winery
Siduri Wines
Signorello Estate
Stewart Cellars
Terra Valentine Winery
Torii Mor Winery
CELEBRITY CHEFS
Richard Chamberlain
Anthony Bombaci
Bruno Davaillon
Kevin Garvin & Anita Hirsch
Scott Gottlich
Jeffery Hobbs
David Holben
James Johnson
Kent Rathbun
Scott Romano
Kerry Simon
Jim Severson
Marcus Strietzel
Chris Svalesen
John Thogerson
Gerard Thompson
Jay Valley
This could be fun and for a great cause. I’ve put it on my calendar. Does he also participate in Taste of the Nation?
This was an excellent article. I, too, did not know about this event. It sounds like a wonderful experience to benefit a great cause.
Nice, article, seems like a good guy.
Excellent article. Enjoyed it. Will tell my foodie friends to check it out.
I have known Chef Chamberlain for many years! He is a very generous man along with an excellent Chef! The American Heart Assoc. is very blessed to have a man of his stature giving his time and talent for your good cause!
Great article! I did not know about this event. It is people like Richard Chamberlain that keep charities like the AHA going during these difficult economic times. If I am in the Dallas area at the time of the event, I will attend.
Great article! It made me want to participate in Cotes du Coeur just to experience Mr. Chamberlain’s expertise in this magnificent endeavor. May the American Heart Association benefit greatly from this event!
Interesting… Had no idea that Chamberlain started out as a guest!