Silver Spoons: 25 Years of Chefs and Celebrations
By Patrick Chang 
June 21, 2010 
26 Comments
This past Monday, on June 14th at Rockefeller Center Plaza, Appetite for Good attended the Silver Spoons event which celebrated 25 years of chefs supporting Citymeals-on-Wheels, an organization founded by James Beard and Gael Greene that delivers meals to the homebound elderly. If you had no idea about the Silver Spoons event, you might have mistaken Rockefeller Center for some sort of celebrity chef convention. With all this talent concentrated in one area, I thought I died and gone to heaven! This was a fantastic event and probably one of the best events Appetite for Good has had the opportunity to participate in. It’s impressive to learn that the original group of chefs included Wolfgang Puck, Larry Forgione, Alice Waters, Jonathan Waxman and Paul Prudhomme, and has grown over the years to include hundreds of top chefs around the nation. Over a 1,000 guests were in attendance supporting Citymeals-on-Wheels.
Upon arriving during set up, I was immediately star struck – everywhere I turned there was an incredibly successful and respected chef. On this hot summer day after checking in, the first jaw dropping moment was running into Wolfgang Puck. I thought the heat was getting to me, could this possibly be a mirage? Was Wolfgang Puck really in NYC? Upon closer inspection Wolfgang Puck really was here! Not only that, he was elbows deep in prepping his station. You would think that these incredibly accomplished chefs no longer worked in the weeds, but he was grinding along his colleagues. As one of the original chefs supporting this event, I was interested in hearing why Citymeals-on-Wheels and what other great causes he supports.
Standing in front of a legend I nervously asked him, “Why Citymeals-on-Wheels? And what about it is so important to you?â€
Wolfgang Puck explained he has participated in the Silver Spoons since the beginning, over 25 years ago. He went on to talk about the importance of helping people in need. As a chef making a living from serving others, it was his honor to help people in need who cannot feed themselves, he explained. Chef Puck is also a heavy participant in LA helping nourish the homebound elderly of LA and New York.
Another important issue Wolfgang Puck strongly believes in is childhood hunger and other youth issues. He is a strong supporter of the University Hospital Rainbow Babies in Cleveland, Ohio.
Chef Wolfgang Puck (representing 1991: Summer in the City) served up a Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Sweet & Sour Cherries and Hamachi Sashimi.
This was one of my favorite tasting items at the event. A fusion dish that was inspired by the classic Peking Duck married the great flavors of the west and east. The bun was incredibly moist and soft while the duck breast was incredibly flavorful and juicy. The skin was roasted perfectly for a nice crunch. The sweet and sour cherry sauce was an inventive substitute for the traditional hoisin sauce or sweet bean sauce. The combination of all the textures and taste brought together for a party in my mouth. You had the soft texture of the bun, the crispy skin, the juicy and tender duck, with slivers of scallion for a nice crunch, and topped with a sweet sticky cherry sauce. It was also impressive to hear they roasted over 100+ ducks for the event!
After speaking with Chef Puck, I turned around and there was Daniel Boulud. I feel like, by now, we should be best friends from all the events I’ve seen him at (we met at LUCKYRICE), I am still star struck every time I see him. I’ve spoken with Chef Boulud in the past regarding his philosophy and why he supports many charity events. I was not surprised to find him here with his incredibly big heart and capacity for good. This was a cause that certainly would catch Chef Boulud’s attention.
Daniel Boulud & his Executive Chef, Jean Francois Bruel of DANIEL, New York (Representing 2001: Our Roaring 20’s) served a Chilled Watercress Soup with Lobster Gelee & Porcini.
This soup was one of the most refreshing dishes of the evening! Not only was the play of colors pleasant for my visual aesthetics, there was a healthy blend of flavors. Watercress usually has a fresh yet bitter aftertaste, but somehow, after it was pureed into this soup, there was only a slight hint of the bitterness. The foam on top was also an interesting texture to sample the soup with. As I dug into the second layer, I was surprised to find 2 huge chunks of lobster meat along with a cool refreshing gelee. Yum! Though, I think the best part about the soup is at the bottom… the porcini! Rich flavors for a great finish! As expected from DANIEL!
Continuing on the tour of the different stations, we run into Joachim Splichal & Tony Esnault of Patina Restaurant, LA (representing 2005, Starry, Starry Night) serving up their Rabbit Ballotine Lollipop; Marinated Hamachi with Cucumber Vinegar, Avocado and Granny Smith Apple (I believe they also supported the Taste of the Nation LA)
If this wasn’t enough, Jacque Torres casually strolls by to catch up and greet them. I question myself again if I was dreaming or not to make sure I wasn’t really at a celebrity chef convention.
As I meandered through the event, I discovered myself indoors in front of the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa. For a split second I was torn between what to do, I love sushi and wanted to try his hand rolls but I also wanted to speak with him. Slightly intimidated by his presence I timidly asked if I could speak with him about his participation at the event and what philanthropic causes were important to him. Here I realized how approachable and friendly he really was! Not only was he incredibly excited to be here, Chef Nobu has participated for the past 20 years and truly believes what the chefs here today are making a direct impact when giving back to the community.
When asked about other charitable causes he supports, Chef Nobu echoed Chef Wolfgang Puck’s philosophy of helping children. In LA and Japan, Chef Nobu participates and supports many causes involving children and children hospitals. “Kids are the future†he says “this is why it’s so importantâ€.
Nobu served various handrolls made fresh in front of your eyes. I love sushi and can eat it all day long! My eyes lit up when I saw these extra large hand rolls, there were so many choices, spicy tuna, California (crab and avocado), and hamachi with scallion. Spicy tuna is one of my favorite dishes and this definitely did not disappoint, there was an excellent fish to rice ratio, Nobu definitely did not skimp on the sushi! I always love handrolls at events because of the convenience and ease to eat.
Making my rounds around the first level, I decided to check out what was on the ground level of Rockfeller Center Plaza. Yes! This event was HUGE! TWO WHOLE LEVELS! On the second level there were a plethora of amazing restaurants. I was surprised to see how many visiting chefs were here in NYC. I stopped by the legendary, Godfather of American Cuisine and a tribute founder,Larry Forgione (representing 1985: A Celebration of James Beard). He was serving up an Oyster and Sea Urchin Pan Roast, Sharing a Shell. This dish was two delicious items in one. Oysters? Check. Uni? Check. How can you go wrong? This was an incredibly rich dish complete with a creamy finish of the sauce!
Next up! Chinatown Brasserie with Joe Ng (representing 2009: Street and Savory) who served up a Steamed Watercress and Shrimp Dumpling with Kaffir Lime leaf and XO Sauce and a Sirloin Tart with Curry Coconut Sauce. I was incredibly delighted to see Chef Ng at Silver Spoon; his Sirloin Tart with Curry Coconut Sauce was one of my top favorites at LUCKYRICE Grand Feast. (Check out our Grand Feast coverage for more, including Daniel Boulud, Tadashi Ono, and delicious dessert from Le Bernardin!) The Steamed Watercress and Shrimp Dumpling was a nice addition. It was a complete contrast to the crispy, flakey, potent Sirloin Tart as this was delicate, soft, moist and chewy but paired well with the dish.
I was able to catch up with Chef Ng to learn more about his support for Citymeals-on-Wheels and discovered he has participated at the event for the past 3 years and enjoys supporting such a great cause. Other causes he’s passionate about are children’s health and well-being – he’s always looking to help in these areas.
Moving on from Chinatown Brasserie, I saw this commotion and a large gathering, I was curious to see what or who it might be. As I got closer, I came across this incredibly long line and it was none other than Ed’s Chowder House (Representing 1995: A Salute to America’s Food Legends). Ed Brown was serving up his legendary Ed’s Soft Shell Crab Po-Boys. This was the cause of all the commotion: extra large po-boys! I quickly lined up to try one, these were certainly not to be missed!
The softshell crab poboys were delicious! I am all about quality but I also love quantity! As an aspiring competitive food eater, my hunger is never satisfied but Ed’s softshell crab poboy did an amazing job trying to slay my hunger. If only the line was shorter I would have gone back for 2nds and 3rds. The poboys were stuffed to the brim with a full serving of crab which were fried to nice tender crisp. The light breading did not overpower the natural sweetness and taste of the crab and the “secret†sauce offered a nice creamy tanginess touch to the sandwich. I still dream of eating another one of Ed’s Poboys.
Exploring some more of the variety of tables to choose from (there was not a table I passed up without trying their dish), I spotted Michael Mina. A rare treat for a New Yorker, I quickly approached Chef Mina to learn more about his philanthropic endeavors. He quickly explained that it’s incredibly important to support Citymeals-on-Wheels or any causes similar to this: “anything for hunger.†Chef Mina goes on to discuss as a father of two sons ages 9 and 11, he has become more active in causes to support kids and helping kids anyway possible. It is incredibly amazing to hear the same energy and passion of chefs from coast to coast, consciously aware of the need to give back to the community.
Michael Mina (representing 1996: A celebration of American Country fair) pampered us with his Tartare of Ahi Tuna with Sesame Oil and Hot peppers. These bite size morsels were packed with flavor. Anything by Michael Mina is not going to disappoint.
As we wound downstairs for second round of food, we saw Bill Telepan manning his station. Through our journey at many charity fundraisers, Bill Telepan has been a regular. With an extra large heart and passion for supporting worthy causes, he finds it difficult to find a cause he is not willing to support. Chef Telepan mentioned that it was tough not to support the fight against hunger – all he has to do is serve “frivolous foodâ€. It was a no brainer to participate. Other major organizations he’s heavily involved in are Wellness in Schools (look, he’s on the homepage!), City Harvest, and American Cancer Society.
This is only the tip of the iceberg as there were so many restaurants and so many dishes. It’s amazing to see and witness all the top chefs around the nation so compassionate about supporting Citymeals-on-Wheels, feeding thousands of homebound elderly. This compassion from the Chef’s and eagerness to give back to the community is the exact reason why Appetite for Good exists today.
Feel Good about Food!
Photos by Patrick Chang for Appetite for Good.
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What an amazing event! Not only is it celebrating a great cause, but it literally was a celebrity chef convention, haha. I wish I could’ve gone! Do they host events every year or just this year because it was the 25th anniversary of it’s beginning?
It was an incredible event! I was so star struck by all these chefs! I wanted to tell all of them how much i loved them and their food!
This is an annual event and has been going on for 25 years! this was the 25th one ! and cool part about is every single chef there represented a different year of the event!
I asked the CityMeals rep how they were able to get all of the chefs themselves to show up rather than just representation from the restaurants, and she said that they only allow restaurants to participate if the chef himself (or herself) is there!
I was also a bit star struck.
And I love your angle in this post.
WOW NO WAY!?!? really! thats awesome! its so impressive to see all the chefs there together! but its also impressive to see how all the chefs come together to support a great cause and drop any competition or rivalry.
Im glad you had such a good time. I love your site
Look at you hob-nobbing with all the celebrity chefs!! Great article.
nothing compared to yours! Hope youre excited for tomorrow!
This is outstanding! The line up of chefs, the array of food, your photos…outstanding. We’ve both been to Chinatown Brasserie, and the dim sum is amazing.
thank you! I would definitely have to agree with you there! their dim sum is amazing!
WOW! That is an amazing event. Great photos of the food. My mouth is watering.
Thanks! my mouth is watering too! i wish i can relive this event everyday! mmm i want all the dishes!
OMG I wanted to scream out loud! You were at this amazing event!? I’m so jealous!!!
Great photos and story!
aww dont scream out loud! haha this event definitely was amazing but i made it a point to try to take as many gorgeous photos for EVERYONE to experience it
I had to share the wealth and im glad you enjoyed it!!!
Love this post Patrick! Great to see so many amazing chefs supporting causes they believe in. And the photographs are AMAZING!
happy early birthday! woooo hoo hope youre going to eat something super yummy for your bday!
you need a gravatar so we can see youre awesomeness.
Stellar post – well done!
thanks!
What a beautiful and amazing event! I was in a chefs’ paradise this weekend at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic and enjoyed every second of mingling with great culinary minds. Beautiful pictures!
thanks! I cant wait to read your entry on the Aspen Food and Wine Classic! thats the epitome of all food events!
Cant wait !
Wow! awesome photos, awesome chefs! what an amazing experience it must have been. I think the most stunning pic is of the lobster gelee, layered thing. Wow.
Thanks! the lobster gelee was pretty crazy! the complexity of the dish boggled my mind!
What a wonderful post! Great photos! Such a treat for you to attend this event – thank you for sharing with us!
thanks! I was extremely fortunate to be able to attend such a great event! definitely dont take these chances for granted
but most importantly wanted to show everyone the great work all these chefs are doing and the important causes they support!
Sometimes we forget just how charitable everyone actually is!
Splendid read… Absolutely enthralling. What a great event and what a fantastic time you must have had. The photos are stunning!
thanks again! Its always a pleasure sharing with you. The event was stunning. I still cant believe how amazing the event was! just terrific!
What a great post on America’s great chefs and what an amazing event.
thanks! the chefs were fantastic and phenomenal! but we always forget because theyre in america theyre american chefs, the great thing about this event was how it was a melting pot of culture and the diversity of chefs from all over the world. we had french, american, spanish, japanese, chinese, indian, and etc. Charity crosses all culture borders coming together for great causes!