Chefs In Shorts 2017 Finale

Well, here is our last installment of the celebration pics from Chefs In Shorts 2017.  As previously mentioned, all chefs and restaurants should feel free to share the photos as a thanks for their efforts to Future Chefs.  This was the 20th anniversary of the event and we look forward to 20 more!  Thanks to the Seaport Hotel for hosting, all the chefs and restaurants for participating, the volunteers and all who attended.

Chefs In Shorts 2016

(L to R) Carolyn Grimes, Program Director, Michelle Callahan, Director Of Communications and Will Barclay, Operations Coordinator of Future Chefs.

Seriously, who has a better-looking staff than Future Chefs?  It was all hands on deck last night at the Seaport Hotel for the 19th annual Chefs In Shorts event with beautiful weather, the largest crowd ever and dozens of well-known local Chefs, all in shorts. They were grilling and serving up delicious dishes and drinks to over 1,000 attendees, all to benefit the great work that Future Chefs does for disadvantaged, urban students with an avid interest in food and the culinary arts.

The always-gracious Chef Chris Coombs of Deuxave and his crew were there to lend support and feed the crowd at the sold-out event.

Chef's signature dish for the evening was Sumac Pavlova:  Grilled Corn, Candied Lime, Blackberry and Corn Ice Cream, subtle, sweet and superb.  Never had corn ice cream?  It's more like an corn ice dream!  Head on over to Deuxave.

Public Relations star Nicole Kanner and Chef Suzi Maitland of Trina's Starlite Lounge were there, always big supporters of Future Chefs.

Grilled octopus was on the menu at Serafina's serving table.

The Charred Octopus was served with a Yellow Watermelon Gazpacho, Fennel and Pickled Blackberries.  This was one of our top tastes.  Fruity and delicate, the octopus was incredibly tender and that watermelon gazpacho will definitely be on our summer dining-at-home menu.

Pat Keegan and her crew were there, a longtime supporter and Board Member of Future Chefs.  

The annual group photo gathered all of the participating Chefs and the full Future Chefs team.  Look at those smiles!  It also gave way to my new motto:  "You're not living unless you're giving." 

The ladies of Bombay Sapphire proved to be the most popular sip with long lines of guests queuing up for a generous pour.  

And last, but never least, were Future Chefs alumni, and now cooks at Foundry On Elm, Flaviana and Sandro.  As a proud Ambassador and volunteer for Future Chefs words cannot express how gratifying it is to see our family of teens who with the proper guidance, mentoring and apprenticeships, grow into their roles as Chefs and Cooks in so many of Boston's most popular and successful restaurants.  They are the future.  

Thanks to Toni Elka, Executive Director of Future Chefs, The Seaport Hotel and ALL of the participants and people who attended for their support and for enjoying Boston's best kickoff of the summer grilling season. 

For more information on this non-profit organization and the stories of people involved with it please visit the Future Chefs website. You will want to be a part of it.

Twitters:

@FutureChefs

@deuxave

@chefchriscoombs

@trinastarlite

@serafinaboston

@foundryonelm

@SapphireGinUSA

@TheBostonFoodie

Chefs In Shorts 2012

Chefs In Shorts is always one of our favorite annual events.  Held at the Seaport Hotel, this year's event was even more meaningful since proceeds from the event were for Future Chefs. As everyone knows, I have been a proud supporter of Future Chefs and all the great work that they do bringing opportunities for learning, mentorships, scholarships and jobs to urban youth. They have been giving a culinary hand up to hundreds of kids in Greater Boston for years now. In full disclosure, I also serve on the Advisory Council to Future Chefs. So, first of all, CONGRATULATIONS!



Over forty Chefs participated this year and joined nearly one thousand visitors who braved a little rain and wind to enjoy a night of limitless tastes and treats. Virtually everyone that I ran into said that this is one of their favorite food events of the year and the weather was not going to deter them.

Isabelle English of Isabelle's CurleyCakes on Charles Street and Toni Elka, Founder and Executive Director of Future Chefs.

Izzy was serving up what I have always said are the best cupcakes in Boston.  My favorite were those Boston Cream Cupcakes you see on the right.

We stopped to chat with Jonathan Soroff of The Improper Bostonian and Rachel Cossar of Foodista On Pointe and the Boston Ballet.

Andy Husbands of Tremont 647 and his team were being assisted by Future Chef Luis Ramos-Tejada of Everett High School.

Andy was serving up this Pork Tenderloin Salad with a delicious smoky/sweet barbecue sauce.

Future Chef Aly Lopez, Toni Elka and Meesh and Jacki from Just Add Cheese. It was really rewarding for me, personally, to finally be able to introduce so many of my food-writing friends to Future Chefs.

Suzi Maitland of the very popular Trina's Starlite Lounge was not only celebrating her birthday but also surrounded by Future Chefs helping her to prepare and serve her dishes. Many of these dedicated students spent the entire day making this annual event another resounding success.

Great night, everybody. Can't wait until next year.