“86 Hunger” with Chicago Chefs and the Greater Chicago Food Depository
By Anthony Todd in Food on Oct 14, 2009 3:40PM
In case anyone hasn’t gotten the memo, the economy sucks. In our beat, that usually means more coverage of expensive restaurants closing their doors, but there is a larger world beyond the reach of truffles and foie gras. Visits to the Greater Chicago Food Depository are up 35% this year, as more and more people need help to feed their families. Some of Chicago’s best chefs have decided to do something about it - and you can help them out. Plus, you can get some pretty amazing food. What could be better?
This is the first year for the “86 hunger” Dinner Series, and six restaurants are participating. Donors can chose from Red Light, Custom House, West Town Tavern (our favorite) BOKA and Restaurant Michael, where they will receive amazing multi-course meals made from the restaurant’s best offerings. At West Town Tavern, donors can chow down on Biloxi Shrimp Fricassee with Bacon, Fennel and Lemon. Custom House is offering up a Pumpkin Lobster Bisque and a Sweet Potato Custard. Menus are all available online, and everything that is up looks amazing. Each dinner will run you $150/person. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository .
The real treat comes courtesy of Frontera Grill. Are you a Frontera groupie? Do you have a chef-crush (or a real crush!) on Rick Bayless? Then how about a visit to Bayless’ home garden, followed by a cooking demo in Frontera’s test kitchen? Donors who are willing to part with $1250 dollars will receive these premiums, plus tickets to four other dinners in the series.
If you already spend this kind of money dining out, put it to good use - get a great meal and help out someone less fortunate. If you’re been saving up your pennies and waiting for that great date-night dinner, this is a great opportunity - what date can resist a charitable gourmand? Even if you don’t have $150 just lying around, consider donating something - every little bit is appreciated. Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website for more details. We can 86 hunger in Chicago - or at least, make a dent in it.