Food, Wine, and Purpose
In a world where dining experiences often prioritize indulgence over nourishment, three extraordinary organizations have come together to redefine what it means to eat well. ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, Bending Branch Winery, and Pharm Table are joining forces for an unprecedented evening that proves wellness cuisine can be delicious.
The multi-course menu is meticulously designed to harness the healing power of nature's most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, transforming them into culinary art that nourishes both body and soul.
The Inspiration Behind the Menu: A Decade of Discovery
The scientific foundation of this menu makes it special. Chef Elizabeth Johnson has been following the groundbreaking research of Dr. Michael Wargovich for over a decade, drawn to his pioneering work linking chronic inflammation in the body to cancer development. In fact, Dr. Wargovich's research became an inspiration for Pharm Table itself—a restaurant born from the revolutionary idea that food can be our most powerful medicine.
Dr. Wargovich's studies have illuminated how specific compounds in everyday foods can interrupt inflammatory pathways, offering our bodies natural protection against disease. The menu isn't just inspired by his work—it's a living testament to it, with each course carefully crafted to showcase ingredients that Dr. Wargovich's research has identified as potent allies in the fight against inflammation.
Picture this: you're seated at Pharm Table, where culinary visionary Chef Elizabeth Johnson has crafted anti-inflammatory cuisine that will enhance your knowledge of healthy eating. All the while, Chef Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Michael Wargovich, and Dr. Bob Young are offering insights that transform you from a potentially passive consumer into an active participant in your own wellness journey.
Healing Flavors: Course by Course
Welcome wine: 2023 Estate Picpoul Blanc, Camledge Vineyard, Texas Hill Country
Ginger Meal Starter
The evening begins with a Ginger Meal Starter. It sets the tone for the entire experience. Ginger, one of nature's most studied anti-inflammatory compounds, contains powerful gingerols that research has shown can significantly reduce inflammatory markers.
First Course: Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio with Black Garlic and Rosemary Oil
Paired with 2024 Branch Tannat Frizzante Rosé, Texas Hill Country
The Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio elevates raw fish to new heights, enhanced by the mysterious umami depth of black garlic and the aromatic essence of rosemary oil. Omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna work synergistically with the concentrated antioxidants in aged black garlic, while rosemary contributes rosmarinic acid—a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. The playful bubbles and vibrant strawberry and watermelon notes of the 2024 Branch Tannat Frizzante Rosé, Texas Hill Country, complement these bold flavors, creating a celebratory pairing.
Third Course: Compressed Watermelon Salad with Basil and Ginger
Paired with 2024 Petit Manseng, Friesen Vineyard
As the evening unfolds, the Compressed Watermelon Salad delights with its refreshing combination of basil and ginger. Watermelon's natural lycopene content has significant anti-inflammatory properties, and it becomes concentrated through compression, while fresh basil adds eugenol, another inflammation-fighting compound. The exotic 2024 Petit Manseng, Friesen Vineyards, Texas High Plains, bridges the gap between the fruit's sweetness and the herbs' complexity.
Fourth Course: Your Choice of Entrée
Paired with 2020 Tannat Reserve, Tallent Vineyards
For the main event, guests choose their own adventure, each option a masterclass in Dr. Wargovich's anti-inflammatory principles:
The Pure Pastures Moroccan Lamb Skewer showcases turmeric and saffron, which are two spices whose curcumin and crocin compounds are noted for their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. The premium grassfed lamb provides conjugated linoleic acid, another inflammation-fighting compound.
Alternatively, the show-stopping Rosemary-Ginger Black Garlic Cowboy Cauliflower Steak demonstrates how plant-based cuisine can deliciously deliver therapeutic benefit. Cauliflower, enhanced by rosemary's antioxidants and ginger's gingerols, create a synergistic effect that is suggested to impact inflammatory markers.
Both selections pair with the boldly structured 2020 Tannat Reserve. This wine was one of the first ever to be aged with Texas White Oak. Its tannins and the dark fruit complexity complement the robust flavors of the main course.
Fifth Course: Acai Blueberry Cheesecake
Paired with 2020 Tannat Port, Newsom Vineyards
Acai Blueberry Cheesecake is the featured dessert. Acai and blueberries represent some of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values in nature, packed with anthocyanins that are powerful inflammation fighters. The luxurious 2020 Tannat Port-style wine, with its deep color concentrated fruit and sweetness, is a harmonious pairing with the cheesecake.
Purpose with Every Bite
Every ticket sold, every glass raised, every moment of joy contributes to ThriveWell Cancer Foundation's mission to support cancer patients in San Antonio and beyond. This is dining with purpose, where pleasure and philanthropy unite in service of healing.
Understand not just what you're eating, but why it matters. Learning how black garlic develops its complex flavor profile while concentrating its antioxidants. Discovering why turmeric and black pepper work synergistically to maximize anti-inflammatory benefits. Exploring how sustainable winemaking practices create not just better wines, but better outcomes.
Your Invitation
When passion meets purpose, when science meets artistry, and when three visionary organizations unite, the result isn't just a meal—it's a movement. And you're invited to be part of it.
In nature, the purple pigment is caused by the presence of anthocyanins. Purple will be highlighted in the menu, and you’re invited to use purple to accent your attire, too.
Natural red, blue, and purple colors are used by plants for propagation and defense against insect attack, as well as protecting the plant against damage from too much ultraviolet light.
In us, anthocyanins provide a boost to continued good health: they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming purple fruits and vegetables may protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders.
Ready to THRIVE? Be Part of an Unforgettable Night of Healing Food! Join us on September 11 at Pharm Table from 6-8 pm.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS