On April 25th, Franklin Barbecue is set to host one of Austin’s most vibrant and impactful culinary gatherings, the “You Grill Girl!” event. Organized by the Austin Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier, this annual fundraiser is now in its fourth year and continues to support the advancement of women and non-binary individuals in the culinary, beverage, and hospitality industries.

The event is not just a showcase of culinary expertise but a celebration of community and empowerment. It highlights a diverse array of talents, including women and non-binary chefs and grillmasters, who will serve an array of smoked and grilled delicacies. The lineup this year is particularly stellar, featuring local luminaries such as Sarah McIntosh, the chef-owner of Epicerie, who will be serving a delectable smoked fish dip. Janie Ramirez, the executive chef at Dai Due, will delight attendees with aoudad hot dogs complemented by berbere mayo and pickled onions.

Further adding to the gastronomic allure, Sarah Petmecky, Amie Brown, and Theo Nesland from Franklin Barbecue itself will whip up their special Y’allapeño Poppers. The creative genius of Laura Sawicki, the culinary director and pastry chef at Oseyo, will be on full display as she presents a chocolate silken tofu pudding adorned with coffee coconut soil and whipped coconut cream. Amanda Turner, chef de cuisine at Olamaie, will offer a twist on a classic with her grilled “Oysters Rockafella.”

The event’s significance extends beyond its culinary offerings. “You Grill Girl has grown in just a few short years to be one of Austin’s most anticipated culinary events,” stated event chair Stacy Franklin. She emphasized the power of gathering such talented and creative women, highlighting their collective capability to support each other while championing a great cause.

Attendees will not only indulge in these fine creations but also enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with music from DJ Cassandra and a Disco Cowgirl Dance Party. The evening will also feature a tiki bar and an exclusive selection of silent auction packages, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

Tickets for the event were available for general admission at $90, covering food and cocktails, with free entry for children aged 12 and under, although VIP tickets have already sold out due to high demand.

“You Grill Girl!” serves as a powerful reminder of the significant contributions made by women and non-binary individuals to the culinary arts. Events like these not only foster a sense of community and support among professionals in the hospitality industry but also inspire the next generation of chefs and culinary experts. The funds raised during this special evening will go towards scholarships and educational grants, helping to ensure that the recipients have the resources they need to succeed and lead in their respective fields.

As this event continues to grow, it underscores the essential role that such initiatives play in recognizing and supporting the diverse talents within the culinary community. It stands as a beacon of empowerment and culinary excellence in Austin, a city already renowned for its vibrant food scene.

In an industry as dynamic and demanding as the restaurant business, the voices of chefs carry the weight of experience, passion, and insight. Recently, The New York Times embarked on a mission to capture the essence of what it means to run a restaurant in today’s America by interviewing 30 distinguished chefs from across the nation. These culinary artists, celebrated for their resilience, adaptability, and culinary excellence, shared their candid views on a range of topics, from tipping and culinary education to the impacts of the pandemic and the changing landscape of customer interaction. This comprehensive exploration reveals the complex challenges and opportunities that lie within the heart of the culinary world.

The Tipping Point and Economic Realities

One unanimous sentiment among the chefs is the contentious nature of tipping. Despite its deep-rooted place in American dining culture, tipping remains a divisive issue, with many chefs questioning its fairness and efficiency in compensating their teams. The economic model of restaurants is under scrutiny, with culinary schools often criticized for their high costs and questionable return on investment. The introduction of Gen Z cooks into the workforce has brought new dynamics to kitchens, with these younger workers demanding better pay and working conditions, albeit with a noted decrease in job loyalty. This generational shift is indicative of broader economic challenges, including the struggle to maintain profitability in the face of rising costs and changing consumer expectations.

Cultural Shifts and Customer Dynamics

The cultural impact of movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, alongside the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped the restaurant industry in profound ways. Chefs like Cheetie Kumar of Ajja in Raleigh, N.C., and Eric Huang of Pecking House in New York City, reflect on the newfound awareness of the fragility of their businesses and the evolving perceptions of what it means to be an essential worker. The discourse around customer behavior, especially as mediated through platforms like Yelp, highlights the tension between the traditional adage of the customer always being right and the modern realities of running a restaurant.

Innovation in Cuisine and Service

Despite these challenges, chefs are innovating not just in their culinary offerings but in their approach to service and staff wellbeing. Mashama Bailey of The Grey in Savannah, Ga., and Geoff Davis of Burdell in Oakland, Calif., discuss the creative and financial strategies they employ to balance customer expectations with the realities of running a high-quality kitchen. This includes menu engineering to ensure profitability while maintaining culinary integrity and exploring new models of staff compensation to foster a more equitable work environment.

The Path Forward

As the restaurant industry navigates these turbulent waters, the insights from these chefs illuminate the path forward. There’s a clear desire for a more sustainable, equitable, and respectful industry that values the contributions of all its members, from the dishwasher to the head chef. The evolution of the industry is a reflection of broader societal changes, demanding adaptability, resilience, and, most importantly, a willingness to embrace change.

Through their stories, these chefs paint a picture of an industry at a crossroads, grappling with its identity in the face of unprecedented challenges but also finding opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation. The future of dining, as envisioned by these culinary leaders, promises a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable model that respects both the art of cuisine and the people who bring it to life.

In their words, and through their dishes, these chefs are redefining what it means to dine in America, one plate at a time.

As the festive season approaches, the perennial debate over the traditional Christmas pudding arises. While some relish this classic dessert, others seek alternatives that are equally festive but more aligned with their tastes. Let’s explore some chef-recommended alternatives to the conventional Christmas pudding, offering a twist to your holiday feasts.

Yule Log: A Chocolate Lover’s Delight

The Yule log, or Bûche de Noël, is a popular alternative in many households. Michel Roux, renowned for his culinary expertise, suggests this as a French alternative to the traditional pudding. The Yule log is a light chocolate sponge, rolled with ganache and often spiked with Grand Marnier, adorned with caramelized hazelnuts. It’s a visually impressive dessert that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.

Pastry chef Graham Hornigold, founder of Longboys, echoes the sentiment for a Yule log variant, the Mont Blanc roulade. This dessert is versatile, allowing for various flavor combinations and even a vegan version by substituting dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Hornigold’s Christmas favorite includes a vanilla sponge with blackcurrant jam, chestnut cream, and candied chestnuts, served with blackcurrant ripple ice cream.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Pub Classic

Sticky toffee pudding, a pub classic, is another crowd-pleaser. Sabrina Ghayour, author of “Flavour,” shares that this dessert has been a long-standing tradition in her family. She adds a unique twist by infusing the toffee sauce with coffee and warming spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom, drawing inspiration from the coffees of the Arab Middle East.

Warming Baked Fruits: A Lighter Option

For those seeking a lighter option, Matt Tebbutt suggests warming baked fruits. Based on a Delia Smith recipe, this dish includes winter fruits baked in masala with cinnamon and nutmeg. Served with whipped mascarpone cream, it offers a light and delicious alternative to the dense Christmas pudding.

Spiced Ice Cream: A Chilled Alternative

Contrary to the winter chill, ice cream can be a delightful festive dessert. Rick Stein recommends semifreddo, a frozen dessert akin to ice cream but with a lighter, mousse-like texture. Flavored with Christmas spices, fruit macerated in Kirsch or Cognac, orange zest, and vanilla, it’s a creamy delight. Stein suggests setting it in a kougelhopf pan for a wreath-like appearance, decorated with cocoa powder and flaked almonds.

Sarah Raven takes the ice cream idea further with her coffee meringue ice cream cake topped with pomegranate seeds, perfect as a festive centerpiece. The addition of burning brandy adds to the celebratory spirit.

Boxing Day Delight: A New Tradition

Finally, if none of these alternatives appeal, why not simply postpone the Christmas pudding to Boxing Day? Michel Roux and Matt Tebbutt suggest enjoying it cold or fried in butter the next day, offering a delightful twist and reducing food waste during the festive season.

In conclusion, the Christmas pudding, while traditional, isn’t the only option for a festive dessert. From the chocolatey Yule log to the light and fruity baked fruits, and the unconventional spiced ice cream, there are numerous ways to end your Christmas feast on a sweet note. These alternatives not only cater to different palates but also add a touch of creativity and personalization to your holiday celebrations.