The devastation of the earthquake and tsunami have caused unspeakable tragedy. The recovery will be long and hard. In cities across America, the culinary community is showing just how creative and generous it is. After Hurricane Katrina, Michael Ruhlman noted the generosity of chefs in Friends with Benefits.
Bakesale for Japan
The same folks who raised more than $20,000 for Haiti relief have deemed April 2 from 10 AM to 2 PM local time the national Bakesale for Japan. Bakers and bloggers will create and donate baked goods and serve them up at bakeries from Maui to Chicago, Austin to Philadelphia. Lucky customers will buy these crafted-with-love goodies, and volunteers will help with the packaging and folding of peace cranes.
Peace Winds Japan, established in 1996, is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) dedicated to the support of people in distress, threatened by conflict, poverty, or natural disaster. Headquartered in Japan, Peace Winds Japan has been active in various parts of the world during natural disasters and is currently working tirelessly to bring relief to the Japanese people affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.
Answer the Call for Japan
Chef Ting Yen of Oiishi Boston is hosting a multi-chef dinner including some of the city's brightest culinary stars, who will be joining Yen for a $100 a plate dinner. Proceeds will go to the Japan Red Cross. Chefs Dante DeMagistris of Restaurant Dante, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, Anthony Cataurano of Prezza and more will be involved. There's even a live auction.
Oiishi invites you to Answer the Call. Sunday April 3, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM.
Kaiseki at Clio for Japan
Ken Oringer of Clio, Toro and Coppa has called on his friends, some of Boston's brightest culinary stars, for a $250 a plate dinner on April 17, at Clio. Join Ming Tsai, Michael Schlow, Tony Maws, Barry Maiden for a 10-course dinner, sake pairing and gratuity included.
O-Ya Restaurant Sake Tasting Benefit for Japan
March 26 and April 9, o ya offers Saturday afternoon "Sake 101" courses from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross.
Other events include pop-up restaurants by Will Gilson and Louie diBicari in conjunction with Mizu Hair Salon are doing a creative $100 a plate event. Even Bloolmingdale's in Chestnut Hill Mall will donate 100 percent of its proceeds from March 29 from Daikanyama and Forty Carrots.
Chefs in your town may be joining in relief efforts, too. Check with your local Japan Society or just ask your favorite chef. Chances are they're already figuring out how they can contribute.
Jacqueline Church - Award-winning writer, speaker, teacher on topics at the intersection of gourmet and sustainable food issues.
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