Think Local Give Local: Garces Gives Back

What happens when Chef Jose Garces and over 30 of his talented chef friends come together to raise money for Philadelphia’s immigrant community?

The answer: Deliciousness

At the annual Think Local, Give Local benefit put on by the Garces Foundation, we joined hundreds of other guests for an evening jam-packed with food and entertainment. Chefs from Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants offered tastes of food while attendees mingled and bid on dozens of silent auction items– with all proceeds benefiting The Garces Foundation and its philanthropic mission.

Without further ado– here are some of our favorite bites from the night:

Dim Sum Garden wowed us with… you guessed it… dumplings.

Morimoto offered us a variation on ceviche garnished with crunchy croutons.

Vernick Food and Drink served up refreshing bowls of salmon poke spiked with a hint of soy sauce.

Spicy, sweet, and just the right amount of creamy, this cup of sweet corn esquites was by far one of our favorite dishes.

Things took a primal turn at Townsend’s table, where servers hacked away at a whole roasted pig coated in a layer of glistening, crackly skin.

Savory pastry lovers rejoiced at the sight of foie grois-stuffed cream puffs from Bistrot La Minette. These were rich yet light, and were topped with a dollop of sweet red onion jam and cocoa nibs.

Country ham, mustard, and tart pickled vegetables melded into one unforgettable bite at Kevin Sbraga’s station .

Tinto presented montaditos topped with jamon iberico, fresh padron peppers, and shreds of idiazabal cheese.

Fluffy chicken liver mousse, cubes of sherry vinegar gelatin, and crunchy rye crisps combined in this rich and savory parfait.

Vedge served a Greek vegetable stew– studded with fresh dill and laced with a powerful kick of cayenne.

This is just a little taste of what we actually ate. Everything was delicious and the event successfully raised money for the Garces Foundation.

-PC: Elena Crouch

Words by Chase Matecun