The Blue Room at Emilia's

Join us for an extraordinary evening in The Blue Room at The Crescent Hotel, celebrating the release of Cowtown Comfort—the new cookbook from acclaimed Fort Worth food writer and CultureMap contributor Celestina Blok. This one-night-only experience brings the pages of the book to life with an unforgettable multi-course dinner, where each dish is crafted and presented by the chefs who define Fort Worth’s culinary identity. Meet the Chefs Chef Preston Paine Executive Chef, The Crescent Hotel Recently named 2024 Chef of the Year, Chef Preston Paine leads the culinary vision at Emilia’s and The Blue Room. Known for his precise technique and elevated comfort cuisine, he’s preparing Fresh Pasta with Blistered Sungold Tomato Sauce—a vibrant, seasonal showcase of his signature style that brings summer’s best to the plate with simplicity and finesse. Chef Blaine Staniford Executive Chef, Grace and 61 Osteria One of Fort Worth’s most celebrated chefs, Blaine Staniford’s culinary journey has taken him from the kitchens of Marcus Samuelsson and Michael Mina to national acclaim. A graduate of the CIA in Hyde Park and a multi-award-winning talent, he brings his signature blend of refined technique and playful creativity to the evening with his take on Toad in the Hole. This buttery, brioche-based version is elevated with a luxurious white truffle vinaigrette, adding the kind of unexpected decadence for which Chef Staniford is known. Kari Crowe-Seher Founder, MELT Ice Creams An ultramarathon runner and creative entrepreneur, Kari turned her passion for joy into a Fort Worth institution. Her shop’s ethos—“We serve happy ice cream”—comes to life in her dessert course: “Howdy, Peach!” Baked Texas. A Fort Worth twist on the classic Baked Alaska, it features Kari’s signature Peach Ice Cream (as seen in Cowtown Comfort) in a crisp tart shell, wrapped in fluffy housemade meringue and torched to golden perfection. Also featuring: A signature Salted Pecan Old Fashioned from Blackland Distillery, crafted exclusively for this event. A Fort Worth spin on a bourbon classic from a local distillery that’s popular for its lineup of innovative spirits. The result is a pecan-infused, brown sugar-kissed cocktail that’s balanced with spice from traditional rye whiskey. A pinch of salt pulls it all together. Tickets: $175 per person Includes: – A chef-guided, seated multi-course dinner – A signed copy of Cowtown Comfort – Personal meet-and-greet opportunities with Celestina Blok and all featured chefs Celestina Blok will open the evening with stories from Fort Worth’s rich food history and the inspiration behind the book. This is more than a dinner—it's a tribute to the people and flavors that define Fort Worth. Seats are limited.