Join the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation for a special, one night event that brings together three of Texas’s most celebrated and talented chefs. Beyond Borders, a first-of-its-kind event in Fort Worth, will feature the culinary stylings of James Beard recognized chefs Tom Perini, Michael Fojtasek, and Rodrigo Cárdenas. Each will bring their unique flavors and cooking varieties to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Tom Perini, a true embodiment of the cowboy chef, has transformed his passion for chuckwagon cooking into a celebrated career spanning over four decades. Starting as a caterer for ranch events across Texas in 1973, Perini’s culinary journey has taken him all over the world promoting U.S. beef. His vast accomplishments, including catering for the White House, founding of the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, and winning Best Burger by the TODAY Show in 2009, have made him nothing short of a legend in West Texas and beyond. Perini Ranch Steakhouse, recognized as the third best steakhouse in Texas by Texas Monthly and honored as an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation, stands as a testament to his dedication and skill.
Michael Fojtasek, a Dallas native, grew up immersed in Southern cooking. His culinary journey is marked by a transition from the corporate world to the kitchens of fine dining establishments. After working under renowned chefs at prestigious restaurants like Per Se and The French Laundry, Fojtasek opened Olamaie in Austin in 2014. His restaurant, a semifinalist for James Beard’s “Best New Restaurant” in 2015, showcases a progressive, refined and decadent take on Southern cuisine, deeply influenced by his mother and grandmother’s cooking. He was named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2015 and earned a StarChefs Rising Stars Award in 2017.
Rodrigo Cárdenas, poised to take over as the executive chef of Fort Worth’s Don Artemio restaurant, brings a distinctive Mexican culinary style. A James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2023, Don Artemio was inspired by Mexican history and culture and offers an authentic taste of Mexico. Signature dishes like Nopalitos Fritos, a fried cactus appetizer and the Filete de Res Asado, a house specialty featuring chipotle sauce and ancho-pasilla herb black bean puree, showcase the richness and diversity of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is known for dishes of complex flavors and detailed preparation that showcase the chef’s culinary creativity and deep appreciation of traditional flavors.
The collaboration of these chefs in Fort Worth is a celebration of cross-cultural flavors. Perini’s expertise in traditional Texan and cowboy-style cooking, Fojtasek’s refined Southern cuisine and Cárdenas’ authentic Mexican flavors promise a diverse and enticing culinary experience. All three will display their distinctive cooking styles and diners will savor an array of delicious dishes that represent the rich culinary heritage of Texas and Mexico. The collaboration between these three outstanding chefs will be nothing short of breathtaking.
Beyond Borders is not just a meal; it’s a journey through the flavors and histories of distinct culinary traditions that will forever be intertwined.
