I had the honor of being a "Celebrity" Guest Chef at this year's Blue Jeans Ball. I put the term celebrity in quotes because I am not quite sure I fit the bill as a celebrity and the term makes me want to blush. (A special thank you to Marianne Ricci of Faith 2 Reality Productions for getting me involved with this great cause)
The Blue Jeans Ball benefits the Capital Area Food Bank. I was surprised to learn that over 600,000 DC residents are at risk of hunger and that over 200,000 of them are children. CAFB aids the community through programs like Hunger Lifeline, Kids Cafe and Food for Thought. Every little bit donated to CAFB really does help, $1 will provide for 3 meals.
As a Guest Chef I was paired with Vidalia and Bistro Bis. I am pictured below with Ted, Executive Sous Chef from Bistro Bis; Joesph, Executive Chef from Bistro Bis and Joesph's wife Katie from Vermillion in Alexandria. The wonderful team of chefs prepared a Vidalia Onion Vichy Soisse with Lump Crab Meat, a Squid Ink Tuille and a dash of Old Bay Oil.
Other participating restaurants included Agraria, Art & Soul, Hello Cupcake, Jackson 20, On the Fly, The Melting Pot and Vapiano among others.
Another familiar face at the event and Celebrity Guest Chef was Kate Marie Grinold, Miss DC!
Below is a photo of the table centerpiece, I think it was a great reminder of the true meaning of the event.
