Small bites, big heart

The Epicurean Project, benefiting nonprofit Recipe for Success, is Oct. 4.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houston’s food community jumped in to help feed a still-reeling city even as local restaurateurs struggled to open their own businesses and make rent and payroll while people weren’t dining out. These are still anxious times.

But is it the right time for culinary celebration? For many, the answer is yes. Yes to indulgent, festive foods. Yes for making merry with like-minded foodies. Yes to top chefs getting back in the creative swing.

Enter The Epicurean Project. The second annual event, benefiting Recipe for Success, is Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards. Tickets are $75 per person at recipe4success.org.

The Epicurean Project spotlights the talents of local chefs, who will create and serve dishes using gourmet products from Houston-based Martin Preferred Foods. Think specialty meats, wild game, fresh seafood, domestic and imported charcuterie and cheeses, paté, butter, olive oil, truffles and caviar.

The event also offers insight into current and future trends, said Tammy Smith, vice president of marketing for Martin. “A trend we feel is heating up this year — and seen in the products chefs have chosen to work with for the event — is more globally inspired flavors,” she said.

Participating chefs include Martha De Leon (Pax Americana), Travis Lenig (Field and Tides), Russell Kirkham (Artisans), Jose Hernandez (Radio Milano), Alexandre Scarafile (Sud Italia), Greg Martin (Bistro Menil), David Cordúa (Americas), Giancarlo Ferrara (Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar), Nicole Routhier (Le Colonial), Colin Shine (Frank’s Americana Revival), Chris Loftis (Peska Cocina Latina), Lulzim Shimaj (Arcodoro), Adison Lee (Kuu), Pedro Garcia (El Meson), Martin Bolanos (Ouisie’s Table) and Alex Gaudelet (La Table).

All will compete for the bestbite crown, and participate in a panel discussion about food trends. We asked a few of the chefs to share the trends they’re excited about these days.

Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle Food lovers jammed the inaugural Epicurean Project held last year at Silver Street Studios. This year’s event is Oct. 4 and benefits Recipe for Success.