On July 23, Andrew Zimmern, the famous James Beard award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and teacher, was one of three prominent chefs to donate his time and talent to create a memorable meal for eight delighted guests.

The evening was made possible by donors Ann and Vince  O’Brien, who made  the winning  bid of $6,000 for this live auction item at the Angel Awards gala in January to benefit  Angel Foundation. Proceeds from this generous donation will make a difference in the lives of a dozen financial assistance recipients in active treatment for an adult cancer diagnosis. Overall, more than $100,000 was raised at the 2011 Angel Awards gala.

Chef Zimmern was joined by Gavin Kaysen,  James Beard Foundation 2008 Rising Star Chef of the Year and one of Food and Wine Magazine’s top 10 new chefs for 2007, and local chef Vincent Francoual, owner of Vincent—A Restaurant, and a 2010 James Beard Award Semi-finalist for Best Chef in Midwest.

Each of the chefs created his favorite dishes to offer diners an outstanding menu. All ingredients used were donated by the chefs. Zimmern brought foods he had collected internationally including honey from Syria and spices from China.

Guests dined on such entrees as Paccheri Pasta, roasted lamb, Hamachi crudo and Bayou Pigeon Gumbo.

“I have no words to express our gratitude to these chefs for the incredible dining experience they gave our guests,” says Margie Sborov, founder of Angel Foundation. She and her husband, Dr. Mark Sborov, donned white coats to act as servers for the evening.  “It was fascinating and fun to sit in the kitchen and watch the chefs prepare, interact and speak so passionately about food,” says Margie. “It was an unforgettable evening for all.”

And foodies not at the table could follow the meal preparation online as Zimmern shared the experience with more than 1000 followers on Twitter, raising awareness for Angel Foundation.

We offer special thanks to Nancy and Dave Kaysen, who hosted the dinner in their home and Chef Gavin Kaysen for traveling from New York City to prepare this incredible meal with Andrew and Vincent.