Greater Dallas Chapter - Texas Restaurant Association

🔥 Calling all Texas chefs! The Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Show are launching an exciting NEW culinary competition this year — the 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧! 🇨🇱🍴

Chefs from across Texas are invited to apply by June 1 for the chance to compete live at the Texas Restaurant Show on July 12 in a fast-paced, two-round tapas competition highlighting creativity, technique, and bold Texas flavor.

Up to eight chefs will be selected, and the winning chef will earn the incredible opportunity to represent Texas at the Tapas of America event in Querétaro, Mexico — with a chance to advance to the World Tapas Competition in Spain! 🌎✨
This exciting new competition shines a spotlight on the talent, innovation, and culinary excellence found throughout Texas hospitality.

📣 Applications are open now through June 1!

Apply here: https://txrestaurantshow.com/Show/Show/Explore/Lone-Star-Tapas-Showdown-Chef.aspx

🐎✨ We’re keeping the momentum going!

After an incredible Food in Fashion, we’re excited to invite you to our next experience: our GDTRA Kentucky Derby Party!

Join us for an all-inclusive afternoon of race day excitement, great food & drinks, and meaningful connections, all while supporting our local hospitality industry.
Dress your Derby best, bring your crew, and let’s keep the energy rolling!

📅 May 2, 2026 | 4:30 PM
📍 The Golf Club of Dallas
🎟️ Under 20 tickets left: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/gdtra-2026-kentucky-derby

🚨 RECAP: Food in Fashion 2026: what an unforgettable night!

A BIG thank you to everyone who made this year so special. The support from our committee, board, and community has truly been through the roof, and we could not be more grateful to celebrate another sold-out event supporting our amazing students and our Texas Restaurant Foundation.

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors and supporters, especially our presenting sponsor Ecolab, for believing in this vision and helping bring it to life in such a meaningful way. Your partnership continues to elevate everything we do.

We’re also deeply thankful to the Dallas Arboretum for hosting us in such a beautiful setting. It was the perfect backdrop for a night that celebrated creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of our industry.

We are grateful for the incredible foodservice and hospitality community that continue to help us elevate this event: chefs, partners, TRA members, designers, and our guests! Thank you!

Congrats to our winners:

🏆 Ben E. Keith Foods Culinary Cup Winner: Mesquite High School

🏆 First Place Design - Big Al's Smokehouse Barbecue and Kishme

🏆 Second Place Design - Whiskey Cake and Ebadore by Elena Barajas

🏆 People’s Choice - Chuck E. Cheese and LW Resort House

📸 : Atali Samuel Photography

See everyone next year! 🪴

🌷 TWO DAYS AWAY! Don’t miss your chance to grab the the last few tickets before we sell out!

We are starting to feel the excitement! Don’t miss the action! This year’s Garden Glam experience is where couture meets cuisine — benefiting the Texas Restaurant Foundation and supports the future of our industry.

Here’s what your ticket gets you:
🍽️ 20+ different food options
🍸 Open bar with curated cocktails
📸 Stunning, Instagram-worthy garden views
👨‍🍳 10 culinary schools competing live
✨ A spotlight on 12 local restaurants & designers
🎉 Access to the VIP After Party (VIP ticket holders)

Ticket Update
🥇 Gold VIP = Front row runway seating - SOLD OUT
🥈 Silver VIP = 2nd & 3rd row seating - SOLD OUT
✨ General Admission = Standing room only - limited availability

📍 Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218)
📅 Tuesday, April 21, 2026
⏰6:30PM

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/.../food-in-fashion-2026-garden-glam