Sprouts kicked off 2012 with a private chef’s table dinner at the Slanted Door in San Francisco. Head chef Justine Kelly and sous chef Victor Harvey dazzled guests with a decadent 11-course Vietnamese feast and wine pairings from Slanted Door manager, Mayra. Before the dinner, Mayra trained some of the young chefs who had just taken Justine’s grilling class to serve the meal; they learned how to set the table, how to serve and clear plates, how to properly fill a water glass, and familiarized themselves with the menu so they could describe the dishes to guests. Dinner began with an appetizer course of classic shrimp and pork spring rolls, crunchy vegetarian imperial rolls, and crispy duck confit salad. During the appetizers, Sprouts’ founder and director, Karen Rogers, shared some exciting updates with our guests, including Sprouts' new partnership with Jamie Oliver, her upcoming trip to London to work with his team, and our latest nominated for the America Inspired competition because of our culinary classes with emotionally troubled youth. 

After the good news, the guests were served wonton soup to whet their appetite once more, and then dazzled by steaming platters of Prather Ranch ribeye, Chue Farm baby box choy, and Hodo Soy organic tofu. Dinner guests bravely continued to enjoy a five-spice organic pastured chicken, Rodoni Farm Brussels sprouts, and yuba “noodles” with pioppini mushrooms and escarole. The menu focused on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to give diners a taste of the variety that Vietnamese cuisine offers. The evening also featured a silent auction for a private brunch with Tartine chef Laurie Ellen. Jacek Kozubek won, with a final bid/donation of $800.  The intimate, family-style dinner was a celebration of some of the best chefs and ingredients the Bay Area has to offer, as well as of Sprouts’ continued commitment to supporting young chefs and food education for kids. 

Thanks for supporting us and we hope to see you at our next Sprouts event!


Cheers,

Karen + Daisy