2nd Annual Eat. Drink. Read.: Can You Read a Menu?

 
If you can read a menu or a recipe, you're way ahead of many adults who, sadly, are functionally illiterate. In San Diego, the San Diego Council on Literacy supports numerous organizations that have programs to help adults and children become readers and improve their chances of success in life.

Once again, this year -- on Wednesday, May 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. -- the San Diego Council on Literacy is holding Eat. Drink. Read., a fundraiser that will help them support these programs. And this isn't like your other restaurant-focused food events. We (Yes, "we." I wrangled the restaurants.) asked our 10 restaurants to come up with an original dish inspired by a favorite book. You won't believe the splendid ideas that are the result. These are dishes you'll want to savor. Here's what we've got (the chef/book links will take you to a video of the chefs showing off their dishes):

Alchemy (Ricardo Heredia's book is Rikki Tikki Tavi): Bihari Aloo Paneer Potato Cake with Garam Masala and Green Peas

Craft & Commerce (Craig Jimenez's book is My Side of the Mountain): Shroom, Tubers, and Wild Game Pinxtos

Flavor Del Mar (Jason Maitland's book is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas): Terrine of Duck Rillette with Smoked Chino Farms Strawberries, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Syrup, and Chevre Powder

Photo by Stephanie Thompson

The Marine Room (Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver's book is their own Flying Pans): Hibiscus-Infused Lemon Bars and Chocolate Kahlua Tarts

Photo by Stephanie Thompson

Quality Social (Jared Van Camp's book is The Confederacy of Dunces): House-Cured Cheddar Stuffed Dog with Sauerkraut and Creole Mustard

The Red Door (Brian Johnston's book is Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs): Lamb Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes

Searsucker (Brian Malarkey's book is Green Eggs and Ham): Braised Pork Belly with Poached Quail Egg and Greens Hollandaise on Brioche Bread

Sessions Public (Abel Kaase's book is The Dot): Duck Confit Thai Summer Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Tender Greens (Peter Balistreri's book is Lord of the Flies): Porchetta Sliders on Pretzel Bread with Dijon Mustard

Urban Solace (Matt Gordon's book is Secret of the Tsil Cafe): Spiced Sweet Corn Cake, Confit of Turkey Leg with Ancho-Dried Blueberry Mole

Photo by Stephanie Thompson

Plus, we'll have a "Manmosa" (blackberries, maple syrup, bulleit rye, and Prosecco) from Ian Ward of Snake Oil Cocktail.

Photo by Stephanie Thompson

 
And, delicious coffee drinks from Cafe Moto.

And that's just the eats and drinks. You'll want to bid on some amazing silent auction opportunities, including SDSU football tickets, a one-night stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, passes to several terrific local museums (Natural History, Museum of Art, Museum of Man, U.S. Midway Museum, Automotive Museum), tickets to the San Diego REPertory Theatre, In-N-Out coupons, and so much more.

So much more? Oh, yes... Sea Rocket Bistro is donating a four-course dinner in the winning bidder's home for up to six people, with a personalized seasonal menu created by Executive Chef Chad White -- plus wine pairings for each course. This is brilliant!

The event will be held at the McMillin Event Center on 2875 Dewey Road in Liberty Station. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased online at www.eatdrinkread.com. They are going fast, so hurry up and get yours now!


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Eat.Drink.Read. on KUSI!

Chefs Anthony Calamari of Suite & Tender and Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room were featured this morning on KUSI to talk about Wednesday's Eat.Drink.Read. event supporting the San Diego Council on Literacy. The organization's exec, Jose Cruz, was there as well. But the real stars were the gorgeous dishes they had on display which we'll be enjoying at the event! You've got to take a look at them -- and then go to Eat.Drink.Read.'s website to buy tickets.

See you there!



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Eat.Drink.Read. Celebrating and Supporting Literacy

 
If you can read this, you're far ahead of a surprising number of adults in San Diego. More than 450,000 grownups in San Diego County have a below-standard level of literacy. On top of that thousands of our children have difficulty picking up a skill most of us take for granted. They need help and the San Diego Council on Literacy, which provides services and resources that fuel that help, needs our assistance to do it.

So, the San Diego Council on Literacy is holding its first fundraiser and it's going to be terrific. I know because I'm on the planning committee! Join us on Wednesday, April 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Sushi Performance & Visual Art downtown for Eat.Drink.Read., A Culinary Event for Literacy.

We're creating an evening of food, wine, and beer pairings that you'll enjoy, with wine and beer experts to give you tips on what you should keep in mind when pairing drinks with dishes, and, oh, the dishes themselves. Here's who's cooking: Urban Solace, The Marine Room, Starlite, Ono Sushi, Cafe Sevilla, and Suite & Tender. Each of their dishes will be paired with a wine and local craft beer. And Cafe Moto will have plenty of their delicious coffees and teas to accompany dessert.

We'll also have a silent auction with some tremendous offerings, plus Chefs Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver will have their wonderful cookbook, Flying Pans, available to purchase and they'll happily sign the book for you.

Tickets are only $60 per person and can be purchased at www.eatdrinkread.com.

Please help the San Diego Council on Literacy help adults succeed in their efforts to read and write and children just starting to learn these skills. These are people building a foundation for success and by doing that, a better future for San Diego.

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