MANNA’s Main Course serves up enticing food and fun for charity

If you’re hungry this week, the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) is serving up its Main Course—the event that is.

The premier annual activation is one of the largest for the nonprofit, and this year, it will take place at Vie by Cescaphe (600 N Broad St.) on Thursday, Sept. 21, in partnership with Chef Chairs Omar Tate and Cybille St-Aude Tate of Honeysuckle Provisions. The event essentially brings together Philadelphia’s best chefs and restaurants, including several 2023 James Beard Award winners and finalists for one night only, and Philadelphians are invited to a seat at the (metaphorical) table.

As a release states, the evening will feature live entertainment from the band Jellyroll and a live auction including items such as a Safari Getaway in Namibia, Africa; a luxurious trip to a villa in Spain; an exclusive and private city dining experience at the home of Chef Eli Kulp; and an exclusive tour and dining experience at Omar Tate & Cybille St. Aude-Tate’s (Honeysuckle Provisions) private farm.

“We’re so grateful to be partnering with such prominent chefs for an evening that will continue to benefit our mission of delivering nutritious meals and counseling to individuals battling critical illnesses,” said Sue Daugherty, MANNA’s CEO in a statement.

Daugherty continued: “MANNA is fortunate to have the chefs and our sponsors shine a light on the power of food as medicine and to bring further awareness to the value of providing medically tailored meals to our neighbors who need them the most.”

While there on the 21st, those who attend the Main Event will be able to try fare from dozens of Philly hotspots.

The line-up will include Chef Tonii Hicks (a James Beard Fellow), Ashley Huston (from Dreamworld Bakes), Chef Dionicio Jimenez (Cantina La Martina, plus a James Beard 2023 Award finalist), Alex Kemp and Amanda Shulman of (of My Loup, plus a James Beard 2023 Award finalist), Chef Chance Anies (from Tabachoy), Chef Noelle Wheatley Blizzard (of New June Bakery), Chef Anthony Bonett (from Moshulu), Executive Chef Eli Collins (of a.kitchen + bar, plus a James Beard 2023 Award winner), Melissa McGrath (of Sweet Amalia), Jacob Trinh (from Càphê Roasters and a James Beard Fellow), Marcie Turney (of Darling Jack’s), and Chef Chad Williams (from Friday Saturday Sunday plus a James Beard 2023 Award Winner).

“A major pillar of Honeysuckle has always been centered around our communities and the need to feed and nourish others. There is no better example of activating in one’s community and being a catalyst for real change and impact than MANNA,” said Cybille St-Aude, Main Course 2023 Chef Chair in a statement.

St-Aude continued: “The work MANNA does and how vital they are in the lives of those critically ill in this city deserves all the resources and attention possible. We’re fortunate and honored to be able to lend our time and efforts towards making this year’s Main Course a success.”

The best part of Main Course? Proceeds from the evening will go to help MANNA’s mission to provide medically tailored meals to those with critical illnesses.

The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased at mannapa.org/maincourse23