Later this month, over a dozen of Philly’s top chefs and restaurants will band together for a special event, presented by the Garces Foundation.
The 10th Anniversary Food Fest and Fundraiser from James Beard Award Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces will be in full swing come Sept. 29, and those who are interested in the festivities can head to Live! Casino & Hotel that evening to indulge in everything that the extravaganza has to offer. The evening will overall feature artful bites, seasonal sips, live music, dancing, a silent auction and more—and it’s all for a good cause.
“I’m excited to bring some of Philadelphia’s finest chefs together in one room again in support of the Garces Foundation and the important work it does in the community,” said Chef Garces. “Although the restaurant industry has faced ongoing challenges, it’s amazing to see the continued outpouring of support from our chef community and its willingness to give back. I’ve been thrilled to see the continued support for our work. Thank you to the supporting restaurants, chefs and our generous sponsors.”
The event full of mixing and mingling will ultimately help provide more funds and resources to The Garces Foundation, which helps supply food, medical care and educational services to Philadelphia’s immigrant community.
Garces added in his statement, “Since its start, the Garces Foundation has focused on ensuring that our immigrant neighbors, particularly those working in the hospitality industry, have access to the support they need in order to thrive in their communities and their lives. We started the organization following the death of one of my cooks from thyroid cancer. A life was lost due to a lack of access to medical care. We realized that it was vitally important to ensure that Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community has access to health and educational services.”
For the event’s return (it’s been on hold since the pandemic), Garces will showcase culinary offerings from Amada, Volver, Buena Onda, The Olde Bar, Village Whiskey, Hook and Master and Garces Trading Company. Garces restaurants will be joined by Izakaya by Yanaga, Bridget Foy’s, Dim Sum House by Jane G’s, Restaurant Aleksandar, Forsythia, Rex at the Royal, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, Fork, Wilder, A Mano and other local hotspots. And as a release states, drinks will be provided courtesy of Yards Brewing Company, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ampel Wine and Stateside Vodka.
Snacktime Philly will be providing the music and the backdrop of the evening, and guests can also peruse through a wine pull, photo booths and a live/silent auction.
On the table for the auction includes a dinner for ten prepared by James Beard Award-winning chefs Marc Vetri, Greg Vernick and Jose Garces, plus a dinner prepared by Christina Martinez and Jose Garces for the winner and friends. As a release states, Chef Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa has a long list of accomplishments and accolades, most recently winning a James Beard Award, and the dinner will be held at Chef Garces’ brand new food lab and private cooking studio.
Guests who participate in the auction will also get the chance to win Forsythia’s “Being a Chef for the Day” with Chef Chris Kearse followed by dinner in the restaurant enjoying the food you prepared together, a whiskey tasting for four at Village Whiskey, a wine sommelier guided experience for eight people featuring eight bottles of rare and expensive red wines and a charcuterie board from DiBruno Brothers, Phillies tickets, harp lessons, spa experiences, restaurant experiences—and the list goes on and on.
But even with the glitz and glam, the Foundation and Garces aim is to give back. The Latin-American immigrant community faces considerable healthcare accessibility hurdles, which are exacerbated by limitations to necessary educational services that teach English proficiency. So, the Foundation aims to serve the community through community health days, English language classes targeted toward the restaurant industry, and most recently, an increased focus on procuring and providing food supplies to the food-insecure.
“I am so incredibly proud of, and grateful for, our loyal staff of volunteers and directors that are on the ground daily, ensuring that our mission at the Garces Foundation is getting accomplished,” added Garces. “Thanks to the support of the community, the Garces Foundation has provided more than $350,000 worth of dental care to over 900 patients in 2021, and fed nearly 20,000 families since the start of the pandemic. Still there is so much more to do. Please join us.”
Tickets are on sale now for $150 for general admission, which includes food and drinks from 7 to 10 p.m., the release states. Early access tickets are on sale for $200 and includes access starting at 6 p.m. VIP Early Access and Exclusive After-Party Tickets include early admission at 6 p.m., plus a special after-party at the 10th St Market in the casino, where guests will enjoy more food, more sweets, and wind down the evening in style. The after-party runs from 9 to 11 p.m.
For information visit garcesfoundation.org/annual-event, follow @garcesfoundation and call 267-284-7905.
