Cocktails

Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Bravo’s James Beard Award-winning and Emmy award–winning Top Chef, will be the guest of honor at this year’s Chefs & Champagne on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Lakshmi is in good company, previous honorees include Julia Child, Martha Stewart, and Daniel Boulud, among others.

Lakshmi is a savvy businesswoman, having had multiple companies of her own, including the home décor line, The Padma Collection; and Padma’s Easy Exotic, a collection of frozen rice, lentils, and other culinary products. Last year, Lakshmi became an ambassador for the ACLU, focusing on women’s reproductive health and immigration issues. She is also co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. When asked about the prestigious honor, Lakshmi said, “I am excited to be joining the ranks of previous guests of honor such as Julia Child and Martha Stewart to support the foundation’s mission to make America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone. Bringing attention to JBF scholarship, women’s leadership, and other impact programs aligns with many of the causes that are close to my heart.”

The annual fundraiser, which is held at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, New York, is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events of the summer. During Chefs & Champagne, guests get the chance to sample food and drinks from more than 35 chefs, beverage masters, and artisanal purveyors. Champagne Boizel and Wölffer Estate wines will be served through the evening. As of today, chefs who have signed on to fête Padma are: Alex Baker, Yves, NYC; Emma Bengtsson, Aquavit, NYC; Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis, Root & Bone, NYC; Peter Botros, The Stone House at Clove Lakes, Staten Island, NY; PJ Calapa, Scampi, NYC; Adrienne Cheatham,