Eleven XI to Host Culinary Carnival Featuring Food-on-a-Stick

When there’s no carnival in town, might as well make your own.

We assume that’s what Eleven XI chef Kevin Bryant and managing partner Joe Welborn were thinking when they planned what they intend to be the first of many Culinary Carnivals to benefit PULSE at the St. Luke’s Foundation. The seafood and Americana restaurant has invited a slew of local chefs to face off in a carnival food competition to be judged by a panel of local celebs as well as carnival-goers.

The party will take place in the parking lot and patio area of Eleven XI on Sunday, June 8 from noon until 3 p.m., aka the hottest damn part of the day. Thankfully, there will be cocktails galore as some of Houston’s best bartenders battle it out as well.

In addition to Eleven XI’s own Kevin Bryant, the participating chefs include:

Roberto Castre of Latin Bites
Donald Chang of Nara
David Cordúa of Cordúa Restaurants
Rick DiVirgilio of Oporto
Ryan Hildebrand of Triniti
Junnajet Hurapan of Songkran Thai Kitchen
Susie Jimenez of Trenza
Teddy Lopez of Killen’s Steakhouse
Gabriel Medina of Soma Sushi
Soren Pedersen of Currant Kitchen
Michael Pellegrino of Max’s Wine Dive
Steven Ripley of D&T Drive Inn
Drew Rogers of Drew’s Pastry Place
Don Schoenburg of Gastro Punk food truck
Rishi Singh of Boheme
Michael Vigo of Compass Group

Awards will be given for best dish, most creative dish, coolest cocktail and people’s choice.

In addition to great eats on sticks, there will be a carnival atmosphere with games and face painting. Knowing some of those chefs, the face painting could get a little…interesting…But it is a family event, so bring the kiddos along!

Children 12 and under get in free. For the rest of us, tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. If you’re a PULSE member, tickets are $40. All tickets include food and drinks.