The Genuine Foundation’s Hope & Opportunity Dinner Series Returns for Second Year on Thursday, June 11 and Saturday, June 13, 2026 as Michelin Meets Mission
From an intimate dinner at Soleil with the celebrated Roca Brothers and local talent to a local soccer initiative for neurodiverse youth, The Genuine Foundation brings purpose to Houston’s World Cup season
An exclusive wine masterclass will be held on Friday, June 12
The Genuine Foundation, the Houston-based nonprofit founded by Michelin-starred restaurant owner and commodities trader Ignacio “Nacho” Torras, announces the return of its signature Hope & Opportunity Dinner Series, set for Thursday, June 11 and Saturday, June 13 at Soleil (1800 Post Oak Blvd.), with an exclusive wine masterclass on Friday, June 12.
At the center of the experience: the return of the internationally acclaimed Roca Brothers of El Celler de Can Roca, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Girona, Spain, long ranked among the best in the world.
Joining them is a standout lineup of Houston culinary leaders—Chef Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Chef Felipe Riccio (March), Chef Mayank Istwal (Musaafer), and Chef Luis Roger (BCN Taste & Tradition)—for a collaborative, multi-course tasting menu that reflects both global excellence and local depth.
Each course will be served by members of the Genuine Catering Team, a group of neurodiverse individuals who have undergone intensive, real-world training alongside top chefs and hospitality professionals. Throughout the evening, guests will witness a seamless, highly professional service that reflects months of preparation, mentorship, and skill-building.
“Hospitality is about making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed,” says Torras. “This series reflects what’s possible when we extend that philosophy to everyone, creating real opportunities for individuals and real change for our community.”
The evenings will feature a seven-course tasting menu paired with exceptional Spanish wines, alongside a dedicated wine masterclass led by acclaimed sommelier Marta Cortizas, offering a deeper dive into the craftsmanship behind the pairings.
With very limited seating available per evening, the series offers an intentionally intimate setting, one that allows for connection not only between chef and guest, but between purpose and experience.
Tickets for the dinner are priced at $2,500, with proceeds directly supporting The Genuine Foundation’s ongoing work to expand inclusive workforce programs, strengthen employer partnerships, and open new pathways for neurodiverse individuals across Houston and beyond.
Tickets are available at https://genuinecup.org.
Photos courtesy of The Genuine Foundation