Laurel’s Chef Danielle Custer Cooks at the Famed Beard House Danielle Custer, highly acclaimed young chef and general manager of Laurels in The Westin Park Central (formerly, The Sheraton Park Central) took her global cuisine magic to New York City’s Mecca for culinary talent, The James Beard House on October 26th. Danielle’s layering of flavors of Asia, Africa and the Americas earned her a coveted spot on this year’s list of Food and Wine’s best new chefs and has made Laurels an easy choice to be named one Dallas’ top tables by Gourmet Readers. Food and Wine Journalist Jim White (CBS Radio, Dallas) and his wife Vicki Briley White attended the special affair at the home of the late food legend James Beard. Mr. Beard’s Greenwich Village Brownstone has become a showcase for culinary talent. The James Beard Foundation was founded by Julia Child to honor his memory and to keep his ideas alive. Events at the Beard House happen almost every night of the year and are open to the public. For more information about James Beard Dinners call (212) 627-2308. Or visit www.jamesbeard.org. Laurels Chef Danielle Custer returns to her hometown in triumph with her performance at The James Beard House. Here's the menu (1 MB graphic) for the exciting evening. See Laurel’s review from Jim White by clicking here. Get to know Danielle Custer by clicking here.