Whenever I go to a restaurant, either in a professional capacity or just as a fan, I always do my best to order just what I want and what I can eat. Even when the chef is kind enough to bring out special items, I actively adjust my order so I waste as little as possible. After all, in addition to all the hard work the restaurant’s staff does, there is infinitely more work behind each delicious bite.
I know I am not alone in this ethos and thank everyone who does what they can to keep their eyes and mouths in alignment. Despite their best efforts, however, over 1 billion pounds of food are wasted each year and much of it is completely safe to eat! Fortunately, there are organizations like Massachusetts-based Three Squares New England (www.threesquaresne.org), led by Executive Director Kati Sigel, that help stem the tide by raising awareness and funds for local hunger relief organizations. Their annual fundraising event, the Ride for Food, enables nonprofits, like those rescuing leftovers, to raise necessary funds for their programs. The Ultimate Food Rescue Challenge helps cover their overhead so their partners get the maximum benefit from the Ride..
On June 19th, Three Squares will host a team of Boston’s talented chefs at Capo (www.caposouthboston.com) for the latest edition of their Ultimate Food Rescue Challenge. The culinary roundup includes Chef David Candeias ~ Chef Mark McMann of Lil Pig ‘n Potato ~ Chef Joe Gatto of From Scratch ~ Chef Josh Ziskin of La Morra ~ Chef Sherry Hughes of Women’s Lunch Place with her Sous chef James Beard winner Chef Jody Adams of TRADE, Porto, & Saloniki ~ Chopped champion Chef Stephen Coe of Defined Palate & Culinary SWAT ~ and Capo’s Pastry Chef Kate Holowchik who’s hosting the event for the second year in a row at Capo!
The food is being sourced from our community-conscious sponsors Russo’s, Verde Farms, Chestnut Farms and Red’s Best, and if anything is left at sight’s end, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine will make sure it all goes to people in need at area shelters and kitchens immediately! Accompanying these culinary tastes will be libations from our gracious beverage sponsors including wine from Ideal Wine & Spirits, Ball Square Fine Wines, Vinolytics and Magnolia Wine Company, beer from Left Hand Brewing Company and Cider from Artifact Cider Project …. plus everyone will go home with a special treat from Fancypants Baking Co.
Incredible live & silent auctions are in the works, led by international hospitality cowboy & TSNE Advisory Board member Travis “T-bone” Talbot, that already includes Jay-Z & Beyonce concert tickets; Belmont Wheelworks; Castle Island Brewing Co., Clown Shoes Beer, Aeronaut Brewing Company, Ipswich Ale Brewery, Newburyport Brewing Co., and Artifact Cider Project craft beer & cider packages; MAHA Chocolate treats; and artwork from Raquel Fornasaro, David Williams-Bulkeley, and Steven J. Duede; Maine Lake House in Seven Lakes region for a week; round of golf at The Country Club in Brookline; Waterville Valley season passes … with more being added! Additional sponsors supporting local hunger relief efforts include Aloft Boston Seaport District, Sisti Marketing Group, New England Revolution, Matt’s Meals, Noah’s Table, Sunny Florists, Peak Organic Brewing, Mad River Distillers, Café Mangal, Dedham Country and Polo Club, Dana Siles Photography, and Direct Federal Credit Union.
VIP and general admission tickets are still available at Ultimate Food Rescue Challenge tickets so grab them now and be sure to bring your appetite for great food to support Three Squares New England’s food rescue efforts at Capo on June 19th for the #UltimateFoodRescueChallenge.