Appetite for Good

I’ve had the chance now to go to a few culinary events, and the immediate focus is, rightly, on the food: as it is often said, to “eat, drink, and be merry.” This year’s Plate by Plate SoCal offered guests every opportunity to do just that.

I was very fortunate to meet Michael Anthony, Executive Chef of Gramercy Tavern, at Taste of the Nation NY back in May. Months before the event, I saw an episode of Beyond the Dish where Chef Anthony went to the Green Market to pick out produce and taught the audience about the importance of fresh local food. I felt inspired and educated, and was interested in learning more from him.

Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), a program that promotes and provides career opportunities in the food service industry for underserved youth through culinary arts education and employment, is planning to start a new initiative this fall regarding urban gardening.

Meet Mary Harris. She’s the founder of Heaven & Earth, LLC, a boutique on-line soap shop specializing in hand-made, all-natural products. The philosophy is simple, natural, healthy, and happy living, a philosophy Mary has sought to embody ever since her first exposure to one of nature’s most magnificent sights: the islands of Hawaii.

I rarely think about donating to a charity right before I leave on vacation. I mean, between packing and trying to find my misplaced passport, I’m up all night until the minute before my flight. But for New York’s 21 Club restaurant and Executive Chef John Greeley, vacation means being generous.

ilili, a Lebanese restaurant in Gramercy, and its food are a perfect reflection of Executive Chef Philippe Massoud’s life and philosophy. We sat down with Chef Massoud for a candid conversation on his life, his food, and his charity. Part 1 of a 2-part series on ilili!

Not everyone has that certain quality that makes Topics Coffee founder Jason Rodriguez special. From a very young age he knew he was put on this earth to do something unique that combined his two loves: entrepreneurship and his community.

Baking for Good, the online bakery that supports charities and non profits, is currently partnering with the Gulf Coast Fund to support local organizations in the gulf. Baking for Good founder, Emily Dubner, sat down with Appetite for Good to chat about the new partnership and about the company’s future growth plans.

Take a sneak peak of City Harvest’s Summer in the City event at the Metropolitan Pavilion, held this past Tuesday, June 22nd. Stay tuned for Francesca’s full write up of this fun event with interviews with Chef Marc Murphy, Miss Universe, and more!

It’s Real Housewives week here at Appetite for Good and I recently met husband and wife team Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen as they lent their support to a very worthy cause. The famous duo – and Brooklyn-residents – came out for the American Cancer Society event Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful held at the lovely BellTel Lofts in downtown Brooklyn.