Brendan Auguem, Weston Balskus, Robert Wiley and Aaron Sherk sink their teeth into some sliders at a previous Burgers+Burgundy event (Photo by Danny Campbell)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
The signs of autumn are in the air: The State Fair is open. Football season is on a roll. And DIFFA Dallas’ annual food event, Burgers+Burgundy, returns.
Now in its 16th year, the food event raises funds for AIDS service organizations across North Texas through DIFFA. Returning as host is Michelin Star Chef John Tesar of Knife Restaurant Group.
“It’s an honor to have created this event and to help raise money for DIFFA and our community for the past 16 years,” Tesar said in DIFFA Dallas’ announcement in late September.
Burgers+Burgundy happens on Thursday, Oct. 9, at The Village Dallas on the Glen Lawn.
Tesar not only hosts the event but will be adding to the the slider selections, too.
(Photo courtesy of John Tesar)
Tesar will once again be preparing his acclaimed Ozersky Burger, a tribute to his late friend, food writer Josh Ozersky. Famous for its simplicity, the classic cheeseburger features four components: a beef patty, thinly sliced red onions, American cheese and a soft white bun.
Tesar is one of 16 chefs who will vie for slider dominance. The other chefs slated to appear are:
- Taylor Rause of Rye
- Eduardo Osorio from the Meridian at The Village Dallas
- Brad Miller representing Punch Drunk Chef Meal Prep
- Mollie Guerra by Chef Mollie G, LLC
- Troy Gardner from TLC Vegan (Richardson International Food Festival)
- Roman Murphy of Perch by Fearing Restaurant Group
- Nicholas Walker from Whiskey Cake Plano
- Sergio Gallardo bringing in STK Steakhouse
- Neen Williams of NADC Burger,
- Jake Saenz appearing for Big Dawg Sandos
- John Kleifgen from Nick & Sam’s
- Lauanie Harris representing LSA Burger, Co.
- Chad Julka of Lockwood Distilling Co.
- Celina Gomez from Loro Asian Smokehouse and
- Angel Soto on behalf of NXT-GEN HOSPITALITY / Desperados Mexican Restaurant
This year’s event is chaired by DIFFA trustees Brandon Bell and JR Shoman, who worked together to bring their own energy to the longtime event.
“Burgers+Burgundy is the exciting kickoff to the DIFFA season,” Bell said in the press release.
“It’s more than an evening of delicious food and fine wine; it’s about celebrating community, supporting our mission, and setting the tone for the months ahead.”
The event will feature VIP experiences and perks, a high-end raffle and a blind wine pull for $25, giving guests a chance to walk away with a bottle of wine of higher value to take home.
Bell said, “From the unveiling of the House of DIFFA theme to the introduction of our Style Council Ambassadors, this event embodies the spirit of coming together to make a difference.”
Grabbing a burger has never sounded so good. n
For more information or tickets, visit DIFFADallas.org/burgers.