FareStart Brings Together Seattle Chefs for a Night to Remember

Sponsored by Farestart

On Thursday, June 25, legions of Seattle’s most well-renowned chefs, restaurants and other supporters will come together for a night of tasting and tippling at FareStart’s Guest Chef Spectacular, held in the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. The culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals has provided opportunities for 7,000 people in the community, and has served more than 6 million meals to people in need.

“I have seen the direct effect this program has on people who wouldn’t otherwise get an opportunity to better their situations,” says chef Nikol Nakamura of Tulalip Casino. “These students are seriously focused and don’t take this opportunity for granted.  Finding individuals with that motivation and enthusiasm is as important as skills learned in a class. Passion for culinary cannot be taught. That is why I love working with FareStart.”

Nakamura and other prominent chefs including chef Harry Mills of Purple Café, and chef Paul Duncan of Ray’s Boathouse will be cooking up delicacies all evening for the occasion. And local wineries, breweries and cideries such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Almquist Family Vintners and Woodchuck Hard Cider will be representing with some refreshments. This year’s Guest Chef Spectacular will also feature live music and raffles for restaurant gift certificates. Proceeds will benefit FareStart’s culinary job training programs.

To get you revved up for the culinary celebration, we spoke with several chefs to find out what they’re most looking forward to. Plus, we rounded up photos from last year’s Guest Chef Spectacular for a peek at what the night holds. Let the reminiscing begin!

“I have had the chance to work at FareStart on one occasion and I must say I was truly impressed with the skill level of the students. I loved working with students who are so eager to learn, work hard and please all who attend. I really enjoyed the bond we created over the experience.” –chef Paul Duncan, Ray’s Boathouse

“We’ve had some excellent success with FareStart graduates.  In fact, our lead line [cook] in Kirkland, Jay Mammana, is great example of how FareStart can prepare you for a great career. We love providing people with those kind of opportunities. –chef Harry Mills, Purple Café

“FareStart is such a necessary program in the community… the care it has for food and people is evident in the services it provides. I enjoy every chance I get to be a part of the good work … the staff is truly fantastic, participants are so eager to learn and the program overall is really top notch.” –chef Megan Coombes, Alstadt

Event details
FareStart’s Guest Chef Spectacular: Thursday, June 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Get tickets here.