Gourmet Gators is UHD’s premier 2025 fundraising event—an intimate evening of culinary delights filled with philanthropic purpose! Gourmet Gators will feature small plates created by ten local top chefs representing cuisines from around the world, including James Beard Awards semi-finalist Ope Amosu, whose ChòpnBlọk was hailed among the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by The New York Times, and Patricia “Patti” Delgado, Executive Chef of the Original Ninfa's on Navigation.
Executive Chef Delgado is carrying on the traditions and legacy of Ninfa Laurenzo, who was the first to place sizzling skirt steak into a warm handmade tortilla in 1973, providing Houston—and ultimately the world—with the fajita. Also featured will be Tokyo Gardens Catering and their innovative and delicious sushi creations.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of downtown Houston, Gourmet Gators will take place on the UHD campus in its Wellness & Success Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The evening kicks off with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. All proceeds from this event will benefit the students of UHD through scholarships.
The Gourmet Gators honorees are:
- Hannah Heartland McNair, Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, 2025 Golden Gator Award recipient
- Mariselle Quijano, Franchise Owner of McDonald's, 2025 Golden Gator Award recipient
- Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, Navarro Health Insurance Consultant, 2025 Marilyn Davies Leadership Award recipient
- T-Mobile, 2025 UHD Corporate Partner of the Year
Want to know what makes this event even better for faculty, staff, students, and alumni? The ticket price is only $135 (vs. $250 for the general public), basically at cost. That means UHD folks will have access to all cuisine stations with tapas tastings and cocktails plus enjoy the evening’s entertainment. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets today.