Chefs Up Front 2016 to Benefit Cooking Matters Colorado

April 28, 2016  •  Restaurants

I’d like to think that the statistics around childhood hunger in America are enough to get people engaged: 1 in 5 children in the US – that’s 16 million kids – struggle with hunger. Hungry kids are more likely to experience both short term challenges – like doing well in school – and longer term challenges – like brain development and health issues. I got involved with Cooking Matters about 8 years ago – we teach lower income families how to shop, cook, and eat nutritiously on a budget. And Chefs Up Front is our biggest fundraiser to support the cause. But if you need more motivation to join us next year, read on to see the incredible dinner served up at this event.What the name Chefs Up Front means is that 30 chefs cook a four course meal table side for 10 guests, and a sommelier pairs and serves wine to match. It’s like no other charity gala you’ve attended before I can assure you, and this year we were treated to Chef DJ Nagle of Blue Island Oyster, filling in for sister restaurant Humboldt Farm Fish Wine. These chefs bust their butts to bring an incredible meal to you, working on small burners in a large convention center room. Here’s the lineup.

Mixed Grain, Green Vegetable Salad, Feta and Sprouts
MATANZAS CREEK SUAVIGNON BLANCRock Shrimp and Mushroom Risotto, Sweet Peas, Parmesan Mushroom Broth
DONNA OLIMPIA VERMENTINOGoerges Bank Scallops, Cauliflower Puree, Tarragon, Mache, Pinenuts
HARTFORD COURT “STONECOTE VINEYARD” CHARDONNAYNY Steak, Duck Fat Potatoes, Smoked Blue Cheese, Watercress, Demiglace
FREEMARK ABBEY 50TH SUPERBOWL RESERVE RED BLEND (nice touch!)Tasting of Madagascar and Red Fruit by D Bar DenverSweetened, Lavender Infused Cold Brew Coffee With Whole Milk From Allegro Coffee

Thank you to the hardworking staff at Share Our Strength and Cooking Matters who make a difference every day in the lives of people struggling with food insecurity, and thank you to the fabulous chefs of Denver who come out each year to support this important event. You are all the best!