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 with Hubert and Helga Seifert at Spagio's "Celebration of Wine, Food, and Dining with the Stars"

We've long been fans of Spagio, a restaurant just a few blocks from our house. In fact, Spagio may have been one of the factors that drew us to this neighborhood. Well, Spagio and Staufs coffee shop and the charming architecture of the old homes and several within-walking-distance bars and the stellar school district and a couple great pizza joints... But really, we love Spagio.  It's one of those love-at-first-bite kind of places.  When we moved to Grandview, we'd walk over to have dinner there, and walk home hours later. During warmer months, we'd stroll over midafternoon and enjoy the fare and the weather from the patio. Celia joined us at Spagio several times, feeding herself bits of buttered bread and begging for bites of our entrees. We're not able to go on a regular basis any more, but last night was a special occasion.  For thirteen years, Chef Hubert has been hosting some of the world's finest chefs for an event that raises funds for Nationwide Children's Hospital Hospice.

Last night we tasted braised beef cheeks and enjoyed duck dumplings, we savored sea scallops in oxtail black truffle sauce and devoured hand painted chocolates. We sipped wine from Oregon and Argentina, from California and Australia. We oohed and aahed over the raffle prizes and the silent auction items. And we marveled at the generous gestures of so many people.
Celia has been under the care of Hospice for almost a year now, and we can't imagine not having their help. It was important for us to thank Chef Hubert in person. Near the end of the night, we were able to get most of our story out before the tears came and Chef Hubert hugged us close and kissed our cheeks.  He invited us to sit at the table with all the chefs, where we were able to thank them too -- for traveling, for sacrificing their time, for dedicating their talents. We told them about Celia, about the corona of red rings that sits atop a beautiful body betrayed.  We sang and toasted and laughed.  Choruses of Take Me Home, Country Roads blended with German cheers and conversations in Italian as well as Chef Handke's plated delicacies blended in taste.  As we left, well after the event was officially over, we parted with the words, "We'll see you next year."  Unfortunately, there will be more children, more families, who will need the services of NCH Hospice. But the chefs know that, and as families like ours prepare to say goodbye to our children, the world-renowned chefs will converge down the street to prepare another feast, reminding us of the significance of every child, of their lives and of their loss.
JEB