Last Saturday, I was lucky enough to participate in the most elegant fundraising event I’ve ever attended. The Rodman Ride for Kids was held at the World Trade Center at the Seaport. It brought together Boston’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs and business owners. It was my first time at this particular event, and LaVallee’s 8th. The amazing event featured a silent and a live auction, live performances from the Blue Man Group, and tastings from Boston’s hottest restaurants.
Being the chef I am, I eagerly navigated through the tables tasting some amazing things. Chef Jose Duarte’s bay scallop crudo was incredible, as was the ingenious combination of raw tuna and cantaloupe from Jason Santos. West Bridge’s Chef Matthew Gaudette showcased a smartly thought out braised carrot dish showing that an ordinary root vegetable can indeed be the star of the show. There was a very nicely prepared seared barramundi dish from Waltham’s Tempo restaurant and Craigie on Main’s pumpkin soup was perfectly seasoned and very fitting on the chilly early December night.
Temple Bar showcased a very tasty slider on our Au Pain Dore slider bun, a dish so popular among guests that Chef Matt came by the LaVallee’s booth asking if we had any more slider buns, because he had sold out.
The Chunky Chocolate Chip cookies that we brought definitely satisfied the sweet tooth of everyone who passed by and obviously was a big hit later in the night: A perfect sweet treat after a night of nibbling tasting portions of suburb savory dishes.
It was great participating in an event that funds efforts to help at-risk children in the greater Boston area. For me, it served as a reminder that for every person in need, there is at least 1 person who can make a small sacrifice to help the situation. It made me enter the holiday season with this fresh in my mind along with the thought that this event helped a countless amount of people. I can’t wait to participate next year!
