From the Kitchen to the Community: Chef Kim Canteenwalla and family champion recovery at Dallas All Star Chef Classic

Now, as a partner in several acclaimed restaurants across the country, including Crown Block in Dallas, Chef Kim is channeling his energy into not only culinary expertise, but his deep commitment to community and personal growth. As the honorary chef chair for the Dallas All-Star Chef Classic, Chef Kim brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of compassion to the table.

The 11th Annual Dallas All-Star Chef Classic will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at The Empire Room in Dallas. The event, which benefits the Dallas 24 Hour Club, brings together notable chefs to raise awareness and support for individuals and families battling addiction. Chef Kim says that his commitment stems from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in the culinary industry.

“In our business, where late nights and non-traditional hours are the norm, the temptation to party can sometimes lead to bigger issues,” he explains. Recognizing that addiction is a reality in many lives, both within and outside the industry, Chef Kim is dedicated to using his platform to make a difference.

Chef Kim’s commitment to community is not just about giving back; it’s also about mentorship. Throughout his career, he has found immense joy in watching his team members grow, both personally and professionally.

“I love growing people,” Chef Kim shares. “I’ve seen so many of our team members go on to do amazing things, from working in world-class restaurants to traveling the globe. Mentorship is a way to give back and to ensure that the next generation is prepared to face the challenges of our industry.”

This dedication to mentorship mirrors the supportive environment of the Dallas 24 Hour Club, where individuals are given the tools and guidance needed to rebuild their lives. Chef Kim’s approach to leadership—fostering growth, encouraging exploration, and providing opportunities—resonates deeply with the values of the organization.

Selecting the chefs for the event was a collaborative effort, drawing on relationships built over years in the Dallas culinary scene.

“These chefs, whether veterans or newcomers, have all experienced the impact of addiction in some way, either personally or through those they work with,” Chef Kim notes. Their collective participation in the Dallas All-Star Chef Classic is a testament to the compassion and camaraderie that exists within the restaurant community.

This year’s event theme emphasizes addiction as a family issue, highlighting the importance of involving loved ones in the recovery process. Reflecting this theme, the event’s honorary chairs will be serving alongside their children: Beth and David Dike with their daughter Taylor, and Ashlee and Chris Kleinert with their son TJ. For Chef Kim, this message resonates deeply. His son Cole, a student at SMU, will be joining him at the event, continuing their family’s tradition of giving back.

“It’s important for him to see how fortunate we are and to understand the importance of helping others,” Chef Kim says, reflecting on the many charitable events Cole has been part of over the years.

Beyond supporting the Dallas 24 Hour Club’s mission, Chef Kim hopes that the event will strengthen the bonds within the Dallas culinary community. “When we gather together, good things come out of it,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to share ideas, support each other, and inspire further involvement in charitable causes.”

As the Dallas All-Star Chef Classic approaches, Chef Kim remains focused on the broader impact of the event. “Addiction affects everyone in some way, whether it’s in your home, your workplace, or someone you know. Helping each other through it is what it’s all about,” he explains.

With the support of the Dallas culinary community, Chef Kim is not only helping to raise funds for a vital cause but also fostering a spirit of collaboration and compassion that will extend far beyond the event itself.

If you would like to get involved with the Dallas 24 Hour Club, you can check out their website here. You can also purchase tickets for the Dallas All-Star Chef Classic here.