Dining by Design 2011 Opens November 16th

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Michael Friedes Design in 2010

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first formal report of the AIDS virus, and all over the country cities, museums, organizations, celebrities and individuals have commemorated the occasion with exhibitions, art installations, TV specials, and symposiums.  Although still no cure has been found it is an important milestone considering that HIV/AIDS is now considered a chronic illness if patients receive the proper treatment and support.

But much more needs to be done, and DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS), one of the country’s largest supporter of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS, returns to San Francisco with the 11th consecutive Dining by Design event to raise money for the Positive Health Program part of the UCSF AIDS Research Institute

John Lum Architecture for 7×7 and California Home + Design magazines in 2010

Senator Mark Leno chatting with the guests at the table of Kriste Michelini Interiors in 2010

Concept by Gensler for their 2011 installation (Image: courtesy of Gensler)

Only a few weeks away on November 16 and 17, 2011, this colorful high design event will once again turn the Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center into a feast for the eye.  Bringing together leaders from the worlds of design, art, architecture, and fashion with fine gastronomy and philanthropy has been a marriage made in heaven for more than a decade now.

Whether Ken Fulk has Snow White portrayed by a six foot drag queen sleeping in a glass coffin in the middle of his grand table while seven tipsy dwarves roam the party, or exotic bird handlers Steven Miller and Paul Benson make Fauxnique dance in their enormous birdcage, Dining by Design is always full of surprises.

Steven Miller and Paul Benson with Fauxnique in 2010

During the first evening’s Table Hop & Taste guests will view the amazing installations while enjoying cocktails by Effen Vodka and hors d’oeuvres by a variety of restaurants and chefs including 25 Lusk, Fifth Floor and Limon and Chef Tyler Stone, contestant of the upcoming “Top Chef.”  On the night of the Gala guests will actually dine amid the over-the-top settings enjoying a three-course meal prepared by Taste Catering.

Detail of tablescape by Gensler in 2010

Joy Bianchi and John Bradfield in 2010

Youngsong Martin for Wildflower Linens – Gary Spain, Will Wick for Restoration Hardware in 2010 

Gary Hutton’s concept for his 2011 installation (Image: courtesy of Gary Hutton)

Brayton Hughes Design Studio for Valley Forge Fabrics in 2010

Event co-chairs are the celebrated interior and furniture designer Gary Hutton and Ronette King of Gensler.  Joining them are more than 30 creative talents who lend their imagination, skills and time to create some of the most glamorous, elegant, playful and thought-provoking dining environments.  Among them are interior designer Anu Arora, furniture designer Tarin Bernard of Room Service, product designer Aaron Silverstein, rabbi Mikki Bourne, and fashion designer Tracy Reese, as well as students from the Academy of Art University and San Francisco State University.

Moroccan inspired concept by Aldea Home for their 2011 vignette (Image: courtesy of Aldea Home)

Butler Wellington at Adeeni Design Group’s table for Poggenpohl in 2010

Gary Friedman, Ed Hardy, Tatiana Sorokko, Jennifer Kelly, Will Wick during cocktail hour at Restoration Hardware’s installation in 2010

Brayton Hughes Design Studio for Valley Forge Fabrics in 2010

Also participating for the first time will be fashion designer, Mondo Guerra whom many may know from his heartfelt confession about being HIV-positive on “Project Runway.”  Since then Mondo has aligned himself with Living Positive By Design campaign.  Along with Jack Mackenroth, another HIV-positive “Project Runway” alumnus, they are at the helm of an HIV education campaign supported by global healthcare leader Merck, encouraging people living with the disease to maintain a positive outlook on life while working with their doctors to manage their treatment.

For Dining by Design Mondo is collaborating with interior design students from San Francisco State University.  Together they are creating a community table called “Phoenix”, inspired by Mondo’s journey, highlighting the contrast of tragedy and triumph, and celebrating a rise from the ashes punctuated by a small single flower growing from the glowing destruction.

Mondo Guerra’s concept for his “Phoenix” table (Image: courtesy of Mondo Guerra)

“I’m truly inspired to partner with such talented students and to be able to be a part of such a beautiful event, which gives back and supports a cause that is so dear to my heart,” said Guerra.  “Through my partnership with Merck, Living Positive By Design, I hope to inspire others to continue to have an open heart, and not only take steps to work with their doctors to manage their disease, but also their overall health.”

Hartmann Studios in 2010 – Gensler in 2010

Please come and join us for the most over-the-top and creativee tabletop event in the country.  Some tickets are still available for both evenings.

Table Hop & Taste
November 16th, 2011 6:00pm to 11:00pm
$ 100.00/person

Gala Dinner
November 17th, 2011 from 6:30pm to 11:00pm
Platinum Circle  $ 20,000.00+/table of 10
Gold Circle   $ 10,000.00/table of 10
Silver Circle    $ 5,000.00/table of 10
Individual  $ 500.00/person
Community Table  $ 350.00/person

 We have a special treat for SFLuxe readers who purchase tickets at DIFFA San Francisco.  You will be entered in a raffle to win two additional tickets to Table Hop & Taste by emailing the confirmation number for the ticket to SFLuxe.   The winner will be announced on November 7th, 2011.

Tags: Adeeni Design Group, Claudia Juestel, DIFFA, Dining by Design, Ed Hardy, Fauxnique, Gary Friedman, Gary Spain, Gensler, Joy Bianchi, Ken Fulk, Michael Friedes, Mondo Guerra, Paul Benson, Ronette King, Senator Mark Leno, Steven Miller, Tarin Bernard, Tatiana Sorokko, Will Wick