Richard Hetzler, Executive Chef at the Mitsitam Café at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. will be arriving in Goldthwaite, Texas to perform his magic at the second annual “Prairie Experience II”.

The fundraiser will be set in prairie land beside the historic Duran Hotel in Mills County. Proceeds will go to benefit the building of the Texas Botanical Gardens and Native American Interpretive Center. The project will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience while showcasing the environment of prehistoric central Texas.

The Smithsonian Institute became enthusiastic about the project when local Jan Fischer presented her vision of the facility in a visit to Washington, D.C. Chef Hetzler immediately signed on as chef for the Prairie Experience, and will bring his amazing talents to create a one-of-a-kind menu for the event. The menu highlights Texas local foods and will offer an exciting array of hors d’oeuveres and main dishes including Pecan Soup, Grilled Buffalo, Roasted Poblano Hash and a dessert of Habanero Chocolate Tart with Saffron Cream Sauce and Blackberry Compote.

Tickets for the event are $200 per person, $2000 for reserved tables of 10 and $2500 for a “special hosted table of 10” where you can be seated with visiting dignitaries from the Smithsonian Institute.

All proceeds and donations go to the project, a 501(C)3 organization, and will be used to begin construction of the Texas Botanical Gardens.