Alex's Lemonade Foundation 2011

Alex's Lemonade Foundation 2011, a set on Flickr.

The Great Chefs Event is one of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s most exciting annual events, an evening of spectacular dining provided by a host of top-flight chefs from throughout the U.S. and Italy--all traveling to the City of Brotherly Love to lend their star-power to benefit the fight against childhood cancer.

Much like ALSF itself, which grew out of the simple front-yard lemonade stand of young cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott, The Great Chefs Event had humble beginnings. Started in 2006 as a small “tasting” by Marc Vetri, Jeff Benjamin, and Jeff Michaud, co-owners of Philadelphia’s Osteria, Amis & Vetri restaurants, it has now grown into a nationally recognized event. This year’s goal: to raise $1 million, one plate at a time.

Attendees at this year’s 6th Annual Great Chef’s Event will mix and mingle as they meet the chefs, enjoy a “sneak peek” at how they create their fantastic fare, and sample a variety of “small plates for big appetites.” A silent and live auction and raffle with spectacular prizes, and special VIP tickets, add to the fun.

Harry Denton - Starlight Room - San Francisco

After being fired from a job in retail in the 1970's, Harry Denton took a job at Henry Africa's and never looked back. His experience there led him to Washington Square Bar and Grill where he honed his craft before opening Harry's on Fillmore. An instant success, Harry's laid the groundwork for moving into the Starlight Room at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco where he affixed his name to the door 15 years ago. He was Hanging with Harris.

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Kevin Diedrich - Burritt Room - San Francisco

Opened in May of 2010, the Burritt Room has quickly risen to the top of the cocktail scene in San Francisco. Unlike other hotel bars, Burritt Room has a diverse array of cocktails well beyond the classics. Talented bartenders like Kevin Diedrich put cocktails like the Black Rose on the menu that utilize the best local spirits and fresh local produce. Kevin was Hanging with Harris.

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Balal Hadj - Top of the Mark - San Francisco

There is no better place to enjoy a view of San Francisco than at the Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. With over 100 martinis on the menu and music every night, the place can really swing. General Manager Balal Hadj was Hanging with Harris in Weeper's Corner where many a soldier has said a tearful goodbye to loved ones before shipping out.

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How about a Pisco Sour?

Enrique Sanchez - La Mar - San Francisco

Enrique Sanchez has been making Pisco Sours since the age of 14. Doing quick math, that means he rivals McDonald's in number of product served. Behind the bar at La Mar Cebicheria in San Francisco, Enrique and his staff churn out thousands of Pisco Sours every night. Followed by some delicious ceviche, there could be not better way to experience the essence of Peruvian gastronomy without having to leave the United States. Enrique was Hanging with Harris.

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