A Star-studded affair

Cafe Sebastienne’s Eileen Jones, chef Jennifer Maloney, Janet Ross

Last night’s fundraising event at the Boulevard Brewery was called Four Stars for Lauren because it honored the memory of the late Lauren Chapin — longtime restaurant critic for the The Kansas City Star — by raising money for the education of her teenaged daughters. But many stars of Kansas City’s culinary community were in attendance for the sellout event. Among them were Café Sebastienne’s executive chef Jennifer Maloney, Jasper’s chef (and co-owner) Jasper Mirabile Jr., chef Ted Habiger and the staff from Room 39, and the chef and staffs from more than 20 local restaurants.

The two upper floors of the brewery were crowded with guests who had been quick enough to purchase tickets in advance: They sold out within a few days of going for sale online. One of the organizers, publicist Will Gregory, told me that about 300 tickets had been snapped up (raising thousands of dollars for the educational funds of Brenna and Maren, daughters of Chapin and Star music critic Tim Finn), and many potential patrons were turned away. I was glad I was there, even though I didn’t eat much — I won’t eat standing up anymore. I’m just too clumsy. I did sample Maloney’s exquisite pork mole, though, and KCUR 89.3’s Michael Byers goaded me into eating several Christopher Elbow chocolates.