5 x 5 Chefs Collaborative kicks off next month

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The schedule for the third annual 5 x 5 Chefs Collaborative has been announced, and the first of the five dinners will take place at Providence on April 28, featuring chef Alessandro Stratta of Alex, the Michelin two-star restaurant in Las Vegas’ Wynn hotel. Joining him in the kitchen at Providence are the (mostly) usual 5 x 5 suspects: Providence’s Michael Cimarusti, Melisse’s Josiah Citrin, Water Grill’s David Lefevre, Angelini Osteria’s Gino Angelini, and Grace’s Neal Fraser (last year, Walter Manzke participated instead of Fraser, and the year before that, it was Christophe Eme).

It’s great that the participating chefs have made it an annual tradition. Last year’s dinner at Providence featuring Manresa chef David Kinch was fun and really did convey a sense of collaboration. Each of the chefs would come out between preparing their respective courses and chat with diners. It’s not inexpensive -- $150 per person ($215 with wine pairings) -- but part of the profits will go to the Southern California Chapter of Special Olympics.

Here’s the full schedule:

April 28: Providence, Alessandro Stratta of Alex

May 17: Melisse, Gabriel Kreuther of the Modern

June 15: Grace, Sean McClain of Spring

Aug. 23: Water Grill, Curtis Duffy of the Avenues

Sept. 21: Angelini Osteria, guest chef to be announced

-- Betty Hallock