“What better time of year to have an outdoor party?!” Pam Brandon wonders aloud.
It’s hypothetical, of course.
Local food writer Brandon, a legendary Disney cookbook author (and a primary planner of the dearly departed Field to Feast shindigs at Long & Scott Farms), knows a thing or two about throwing outdoor bashes.
The eighth annual A Fall Fête fundraising dinner — colorful and communal — is one heck of a garden party. Brandon and her fellow board members at The Kitchen House in College Park, as well as its collection of talented chef ambassadors, are pleased to extend you an invitation.
The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets, available now at thekitchenhouse.org/calendar-database/fallfete, range from $250-$300, with sponsorship opportunities available, as well.
Guests will enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by an extraordinary lineup of chefs, including Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya), James and Julie Petrakis (The Ravenous Pig), Fabrizio Schenardi (Four Seasons Orlando), Jamie McFadden (Cuisiniers), Nikk Burton (The Monroe), Megan Amnott (The Kitchen House) and Kitchen House co-founder Kevin Fonzo, whose hands-on programs have enriched the lives of countless children who come to learn where their food comes from.
“When kids get their hands in the garden and cook with ingredients they’ve harvested themselves, you see something click,” Fonzo stated in a recent news release. “They realize real food is both delicious and doable. That’s the magic of The Kitchen House. We’re not just feeding people; we’re planting lifelong skills and confidence.”
Orlando chef Lordfer Lalicon of Michelin Guide-recognized Kaya in Thornton Park, is among the chef ambassadors of The Kitchen House. He’ll be on hand for the Fall Fête, as well. (Photo courtesy The Kitchen House/Krista Lyn Photography)
And these small seeds, sown throughout lifetimes, are planted via fundraisers like A Fall Fête.
Those who remember the Edible Education Experience might note The Kitchen House’s lyrical new name, one that reflects its role within the College Park neighborhood, and one that Brandon says makes sense.
“In addition to its role as a teaching place for children, The Kitchen House has become a community gathering place, as well… [The name is] more direct, it’s cozier, it resonates.”
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As do events here, which also are cozy, from Fonzo’s wonderful La Tavola dinners (the 2025 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards Critic’s Pick for Best Italian) to its garden-to-kitchen programs for high-need students.
Seating is still available for A Fall Fête, both outdoors in the garden and on the porch, as well as in the kitchen and at upstairs tables, where guests can watch the collaborative action.
Chef Jamie McFadden perfects the plating at The Kitchen House in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. He’ll be among the featured chefs participating in this year’s Fall Fête. (Photo courtesy The Kitchen House/Krista Lyn Photography)
“The garden is in full bloom,” says Brandon. “The seating varies, but it’s a very communal dining experience … from cocktails and light bites to mingling with the chefs. It’s a lovely evening.”
One that captures everything The Kitchen House team believes in, said Sara Elliott, co-executive director, in a statement.
James and Julie Petrakis, a culinary “first couple” of Orlando, will be contributing their talent to this year’s fall fundraiser in the garden. (Photo courtesy The Kitchen House/Krista Lyn Photography)
“Collaboration, community and the simple joy of cooking with care. Every ticket sold helps us make that experience possible for more Central Florida kids.”
Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
If you go
8th annual A Fall Fête: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Kitchen House, 26 E. King St. in Orlando. Tickets range from $250-$300, thekitchenhouse.org