Wild Game Dinner April 14

Fundraiser at MCM Elegante to benefit Hughen Center

Zona Jones presents a wild game dinner prepared by cowboy chef Grady Spears on April 14 at the MCM Elegante, beginning at 6 p.m.  Spears was named one of the top Five Chefs of 1998 by “Restaurants and Institutions” and Rising Star of 1999 by “Restaurant Hospitality Magazine.”

Spears was working as a manager in a restaurant in Marathon, TX when a chef quit during a weekend’s dinner rush.  He took over the stove and a culinary star was born.  His work has been widely praised in the New York Times, Texas Monthly, P.O.V., Martha Stewart Living, Country Homes, and Southern Living, to name a few.

The menu for the evening’s repast is definitely not chuck wagon stew.  The game being served at this feast is lucky to be paired with mouth-watering sauces and glazes.  Imagine wild boar ribs with Parker County peach glaze, coffee-rubbed venison loin with East Texas blackberry jam, Hill Country mixed grill of bock battered bog white quail with cider adobo, in addition to appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Coach Bum Phillips and his wife Debbie will be the guests of honor at the dinner.  The Phillips will be joined by former Houston Oilers Dan Pastorini, Hall of Famer Elvin Bethea, David Carter and Willie Alexander.  Other notable football players include Beaumont favorites Jordan Babineaux, "Goose" Gonsoulin, Gary Hammond, and Alois Blackwell.  Additional guests include Al Caldwell, Bob West, and the official Texas Sports Hall of Fame Artist Robert Hurst.

The evening’s entertainment will continue the country theme.  Daryle Singletary has a well-deserved reputation as an authentic country songwriter and singer, including hits such as “I Let Her Lie,” and “Too Much Fun.”

Singletary will be joined by a special unannounced guest performer, which has prompted wild speculation about the identity of the singer to be named later.

There will be an auction during the evening.  A wide array of musical and sports memorabilia, trips and art will be available.  Anyone wishing to capture a daughter’s or granddaughter’s heart should note the autographed photo of Justin Bieber.

Auction Items:

Garth Brooks autographed guitar

Taylor Swift autographed guitar

Houston Oiler authentic helmet autographed by Bum Phillips, Dan Pastorini, Earl Campbell and 19 other Oiler players

Houston Texan authentic helmet autographed by Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips

Trip for 2 to Nashville for the 2011 CMA Country Music Awards

Hyatt Regency Paris Madeleine 5-Night Stay with Airfare for  (2)

Sonoma VIP Wine Experience Features Chauffeur, Winery Tours, 3-Night Stay with Airfare for (2)

NASCAR Car Racing Experience with 4-Night Stay and Airfare for (2)

America's Cup Stars & Stripes Experience in San Diego 4-Night Package with Airfare for (2)

Beatles Album autographed by Paul, Ringo, and George

Aerosmith autographed drum head

Muhammad Ali print autographed by Ali and artist Leroy Nieman

Snoopy as Red Baron sketch autographed by artist Charles Shultz

Photo autographed by Justin Bieber

Apollo 11 astronaut photo autographed by Armstrong, Collins, and Aldrin

Robert Hurst prints

Tickets for the dinner are available from the Hughen Center 
at 409-983-6659.  They are $125 each.