Greer's OC

Noted Chef Pascal Olhats, a master of French cuisine who has been a celebrated fixture in Orange County’s dining scene for nearly three decades, is sharing his dynamic culinary skills and hosting the second annual “The Gray Event” on Sunday, Feb. 25.

“The Gray Event” is an evening of food, wine and entertainment to raise funds and shine a light on a little-known issue that is near and dear to his heart: preventing the abuse of Asian elephants.

Olhats was inspired to take action after a week-long ecotourism vacation with his wife, Christine, at Save Elephant Foundation’s Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Thailand.

“We met elephants rescued from all over the region,” said Olhats. “Some had scars from shackles, while others had been used for tourist entertainment, causing major damage to their bodies. I was inspired by Save Elephant Foundation’s founder Lek Chailert, and knew I wanted to take action once I returned home.”

“The Gray Event” takes place at Chef Pascal’s Café Jardin restaurant at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. The Gray Reception begins at 4:30 p.m. with a reception featuring Thai music, Thai appetizers, wine, a silent auction, photos ops, and an opportunity to “Adopt an Elephant.”

The Gray Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and features a three-course dinner, Thai dancers, a blessing from Thai monks, and a live auction featuring a week’s stay at the Elephant Nature Park, a cooking demonstration with culinary author Cathy Thomas and Pascal Olhats, and a presentation on the Save Elephant Foundation by Lek Chailert, who is flying in from Thailand for this event.

The evening’s Thai cuisine will be generously prepared by the chef and owners of Thai District restaurant in Long Beach.

Tickets to the Gray Reception and Gray Dinner are $250. Gray Reception-only tickets are available for $125. Visit TheGrayEvent.org for more information.

The net proceeds will go to Save Elephant Foundation (processed through the Serengeti Foundations).

2647 East Coast Highway in Corona Del Mar.