What a grand event! The Second Annual Savor for Students Grand Tasting, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis united the city’s finest chefs to meet and mingle over delicious food and drink. All the proceeds benefited LIFT FOR LIFE ACADEMY. 
Attendees engaged directly with the chefs as they created memorable tapas-style bites showcasing the best of the local restaurant scene.
For those lucky foodies who attend, tastes will be highlighted by selections from Kevin Nashan, recently named best chef in the Midwest by the prestigious James Beard Foundation.
Savor for Students was conceptualized by Melissa Lee, Executive Assistant Manager – Culinary/Food & Beverage for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, and a supporter of LIFT FOR LIFE ACADEMY. Her invitation to the chefs was simple: “Please help us to make a difference in the lives of children in St. Louis. With your support, we can ignite the passion in these young hearts, and encourage and inspire them to pursue their dreams.”
PARTICIPATING CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS
- Mai Lee – Qui Tran
- Niche Food Group– Gerard Craft
- Sidney Street Caféand Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. – Kevin Nashan
- Nathaniel Reid Bakery– Nathaniel Reid
- Elaia and Olio– Ben Grupe
- Park Restaurant – Antonio Park
- Pappy’s Smokehouse– Mike Emerson
- La Patisserie Chouquette– Simone Faure
- Seoul Taco– David Choi
- Lift For Life Academy– Kenny Hayden
- Olive + Oakand Clover & The Bee – Mark Hinkle & Jesse Mendica
- Balkan Treat Box– Loryn Feliciano-Nalic
- Bengelina Food Group– Ben Poremba
- Nudo House STL– Marie-Anne Velasco
- Farmhaus– Kevin Willmann
- The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes – Jayshree Nathoo
- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis– Jeanine Edmonds Mott
ABOUT THE CHEFS