Eat well, do good.

For regular readers of this blog, it will come as no surprise to hear that I believe enjoying good food is one of life's great pleasures. However, not everyone in this country shares that same privilege. Because I believe that everyone should have access to good food, I’m also committed to helping those less fortunate than myself: those who many not have access to nourishing meals.
For that reason, I'm penciling into my calendar (and circling, and underlining) the upcoming Nation's Capital Chef's Association (NCCA) Gala Dinner, to be held on Sunday, January 13th at the Washington Court Hotel. The annual Gala Dinner celebrates the professional accomplishments of NCCA’s membership, made up of local chefs and restaurant management professionals. The event will combine great food and a great cause; Proceeds from the $135 seat donation will benefit both DC Central Kitchen and the American Culinary Federation's Chef & Child Foundation.
Founded in 1989, the Florida-based Chef & Child Foundation is an organization that fosters, promotes, and stimulates an awareness of proper nutrition in preschool and elementary school children. Even closer to home, the DC Central Kitchen recovers unused food to deliver meals to residents at risk for hunger. As part of its holistic approach to combating poverty, the Kitchen employs and provides culinary skills training to homeless men and women.
Your donation will also secure your ticket to what promises to be a wonderful dining experience. Prepared by various area chefs, the seven-course menu includes wine pairings, and will feature the following:

Appetizer of seared quail and foie gras, herb spatzle, dried cherries and port wine
A few amuses bouche
Porcini mushroom consommé with polenta quenelles and micro greens
Duck breast with wild mushroom duck confit, couscous and vegetables
A deconstructed cheese course
An intermezzo of cranberry cabernet sorbet with Bosc pear slivers infused in grappa
An upright salad
And two other courses in development

The Gala Dinner will also feature a silent auction, as well as an awards ceremony for members of the Nation’s Capital Chef’s Association. Attendees will have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the most notable figures within DC’s food and hospitality world. More importantly, if you’re passionate about enjoying good food, you’ll be helping to make sure others can do the same. Seating is limited, so don't delay.

For more information or to make reservations, visit NCCA's website at nccachefs.org.