Noted Orange County Chef Pascal Olhats, a master of French cuisine who has been a celebrated fixture in Orange County’s dining scene for nearly three decades, is sharing his dynamic culinary skills and hosting the second annual “The Gray Event” on Sunday, February 25.
“The Gray Event” is an evening of food, wine and entertainment to raise funds and shine a light on a little-known issue that is near and dear to Chef Pascal’s heart: preventing the abuse of Asian elephants. Olhats was inspired to take action after a week-long ecotourism vacation with his wife, Christine, at Save Elephant Foundation’s Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
“We met elephants rescued from all over the region,” said Olhats. “Some had scars from shackles, while others had been used for tourist entertainment, causing major damage to their bodies. I was inspired by Save Elephant Foundation’s founder Lek Chailert, and knew I wanted to take action once I returned home.”
“The Gray Event” takes place at Chef Pascal’s Café Jardin restaurant at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar. The Gray Reception begins at 4:30 p.m. with a reception featuring Thai music, Thai appetizers, wine, a silent auction, photos ops, and an opportunity to “Adopt an Elephant.”
The Gray Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and features a three-course dinner, Thai dancers, a blessing from Thai monks, and live auction featuring a week’s stay at the Elephant Nature Park, cooking demonstration with culinary author Cathy Thomas, Lek Chailert and Pascal Olhats, and a presentation on the Save Elephant Foundation by Lek Chailert.
All the Thai cuisine will be generously prepared by the chef and owners of Thai District restaurant in Long Beach. “Sherman Gardens and Café Jardin are the perfect venues for an event focused on such beautiful animals. I know our guests will be inspired not only by the program we have planned, but the sheer beauty that will surround them throughout the evening.”
Tickets to the Gray Reception and Gray Dinner are $250. Gray Reception-only tickets are available for $125. Tickets go on sale December 7. For more information and to purchase tickets (tax deductible) visit GrayEvent.org.
We love hearing from our readers!