SOUTH BAY CHEFS CHRISTINE BROWN & MICHAEL SHAFER TO THE RESCUE: The Duo Cook Up a Newly Minted Fundraiser for Beacon House Association of San Pedro by Brian Garrido
SOUTH BAY CHEFS CHRISTINE BROWN & MICHAEL SHAFER TO THE RESCUE: The Duo Cook Up a Newly Minted Fundraiser for Beacon House Association of San Pedro
By Brian Garrido
When Chef Christine Brown puts her mind to helping others, there's no stopping her. For evidence, The Beacon House Association of San Pedro had to cancel their annual fundraiser with Chef Brown as their celebrity chef due to COVID-19. However, she knew they still desperately needed to raise money for their drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. With her "can-do-attitude," Brown wasn't allowing the pandemic to stop her and the organization from seeking needed assistance, which has assisted her at numerous catering functions. But because of the current health crisis, she needed to apply creative social distancing rules.
Kevin Leach and Chef Christine, interior of the Pacific Standard
Brown, along with her new employer, Pacific Standard Prime Restaurant owner, Kevin Leach, began to reach out to several Southern California chefs, including her former employer, Michael Shafer from the legendary Depot in Torrance. He hired Brown as a cook, fresh out of the Culinary Institute of America. Leading by example, as restaurateurs do in their communities, the duo began to offer small -- no more than ten people -- COVID compliant dinners in a private setting. Shafer and Brown, now co-chairs of the esteemed event, challenged Beacon House to reach out to other chefs who supported those in recovery, and admire the work of Beacon House. The team launched 20Chefs as their newly minted fundraiser, accepting the on-going rules implemented by the new health codes around the coronavirus, and looking to future happenings.
“I will do what I can to raise awareness about this most remarkable group,” says Brown. “I have seen so many of these men complete this program and go on to lead healthy lives, contributing to their community and reconnecting with their family and friends. This is an exceptional program that gives hope to all involved.”
“The Beacon House changes people’s lives,” declares 20CHEFS co-chair, Shafer. “I know this statement is used a lot these days but I have seen the work and the heart that the Beacon House puts forward. These folks are living proof that if you care it counts. Please show your strength and dine with us.
Donors can go online to www.beaconhouse.org, where they can buy a private dinner for two, leading up to no more than ten people. In the safe environment of the buyer's home, the chef's restaurant, or an agreed-upon location, a unique and memorable dining experience crafted for them and their guests. Intimate experiences for four start at $2,500 and can lead up to $25,000. Furthermore, each occasion shall be coordinated with both the purchaser and the chef's time in mind.
Internationally known, four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality and chef, Andrew Zimmern, agreed to create two memorable nights to the lucky donors. People regard Zimmern as a national treasure, and one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the food arts. His shows have been viewed by millions watching The Travel Channel, Food Network, and his most recent endeavors on MSNBC, "What's Eating America" and Magnolia Network's "Family Dinner."
20CHEFS becomes a national event with Zimmern on the roster and has already attracted other elite toques, including Chef Jeremy Martindale from The Alexander Hotel in Indianapolis. Martindale rose to culinary prominence in 1997 when he became the Executive Chef at Little Dix Bay Resort in the Virgin Islands. Under his guidance and execution, Hotels Magazine exclaimed the property's fining dining restaurant, Sugar Mill, as one of the "Great Hotel Restaurants of the World." Now at The Alexander, Chef Martindale offers up food showcasing great agriculture and tastes known to the Midwest.
Top row: Christine, Michael Shafer, Betty Fraser
Bottom row:Jeremy Martindale, Victor Juaraz, Mariusz Jeglinski
Top Chef Betty Fraser, known for her longstanding Hollywood hot spot, Grub, appears on the lineup. Fraser, one of LA's favorite chefs, has received numerous trophies --like her Oscar-winning customers -- for "Best Breakfast" and "Best Lunch Spot" in Los Angeles. In addition to Top Chef, she has appeared on "Top Chef Masters" and "Top Chef Holiday Special." If you can stay up with her energy, your feast will be remarkable!
Joining 20 Chefs is Chef Paul Buchanan of Primal Alchemy. Chef Buchanan honed his skills at Michelin award-winning restaurants like The Water Grill, Patina, Pascal's, and Campanile. Paul is a Palos Verdes Peninsula favorite, having supported the Cabrillo Aquarium for years. Chef Buchanan has offered up a second dinner since his first sold for $10,000!
Chefs Peter Carpenter, Jennie Trinh, and Andrew Monterrosa will also come to your home and prepare an incredible meal. Chef Monterossa is a graduate of the famed Johnson & Wales University in Denver and is known for his "traditional pit-smoked BBQ." Chef Jennie Trinh, the owner of Hungry Bear Catering, trained in San Francisco. Her experience includes Katsuya by Stark in Los Angeles and Miami, Cleo, and Vetro. Chef Carpenter owns Gourmet to You, offering under the stars al fresco service to formal wedding attire, Chef Peter will make your supper a memorable evening of tantalizing tastes.
If you want to venture out to a safe environment, Chef Victor Juarez of Fuego at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach presents exceptional meals on their seashore patio. Local restaurateurs Kashi Aghilipour of Think Prime, Tomas of Campagnon, Trini of Babouch, Daniel of Pappy's, and John Bagakis of Big Nicks will also create an incredible event to raise money for Beacon House.
Brown offers gratitude to the organization, commenting “Thank you, Beacon House, for giving the men the tools to embrace life in a new way, to giving families who had no idea they could get their son, father, nephew, or brother back and to our community for embracing these great guys by employing them during and after completion of their time at BH.”
During Beacon House's 40-plus year history, the facility has treated men from 39 states, and over 500 men have successfully stayed sober after leaving. Founded in 1970 by Father Art Bartlett, a South Bay minister and Michael Dowling, an alcoholic merchant seaman, the Beacon House Association of San Pedro started with a single two-story building with 18 residents. Incorporated into a non-profit in 1974, the association and the accommodations have grown to six residential units with a capacity for 115 residents. The buildings include dining and kitchen areas and spaces for training, counseling, education, and 12-step meetings. The non-profit's mission is to help men recover from the diseases of alcoholism and addiction to other drugs. The association provides food, shelter, treatment, and time to build a foundation in recovery and return to family, home, and community.
Brian Garrido is a Marketing and Communications consultant for tech and lifestyle companies. As a hobby, he writes about food. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including The Clever Root, Savoteur.com, AZLatinos.com, Scottsdale Magazine, and much more. He maintains a website dedicated to finding exciting stories on people who feed people. Brian also volunteers in promoting reading and literacy.
CHEF CHRISTINE BROWN
http://www.chefchristines.catering/
310.801.3684
Chef Christine Brown has been creating wonderful flavors for years. She began in the catering business with her mom and then attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York, graduating in 1991. After working with some of the best Chefs in Southern California she opened her own restaurant in 1996. When she was the chef/owner of Restaurant Christine (with a fusion of French and Pacific Rim cuisine) she was rated #1 in the Zagat review of restaurants 14 years in a row. Catering became an ever-increasing portion of the business and now she brings her cuisine to homes, yachts, weddings, tailgate parties, stadium luxury box elegance, basketball games, political events, wine tours, guest chef cruises, private cooking classes, political events, and an even broader array of special occasions. With our innovative designs and world traveled cuisine, we will help you plan the event of your dreams and offer you a memorable experience. We specialize in creative, custom catering menus and offer wait service and bar service as well. Whatever your events, we will make them the most special - small or large, casual, or elegant - whatever your needs, we will make your occasion unforgettable.
We provide the highest level of service, freshly made cuisine, and delicious desserts. You tell us what you want, and we'll make it happen for you and your guests. No event is too small or too large. Whatever your tastes, a most delicious event awaits. Chef Christine is just a phone call or e-mail away to provide her personal touch for your special event