We say yes to sushi!

We were fortunate to be welcomed to Catalina Offshore Products seafood wholesaler along with Promises2Kids former foster youth and their mentors for a comprehensive and tasty warehouse tour, followed by a sushi class  by master chef Aaron Bishop and his sous chef (and  wife!) Antonella. Fishmonger Mario and co-owner Britanny talked about the ins and outs of the local seafood industry, we played with live prawns and abalone, we got a demonstration on how to break down a whole fish, and we tasted some seafood snacks. And then we were given an intro to sushi class by Chef Aaron, and got to practice rolling techniques for California rolls, learning the difference between using real crab meat versus processed krab product. Thank you Chefs and Fishmongers!

#chefangelssd #chefworks #CatalinaOP #ChefAaron #Promises2Kids

Representing

We have immensely enjoyed our collaboration with Promises2Kids thus far, meeting all the amazing former foster youth who make up their Guardian Scholars program. We were invited to attend the Guardian Scholars Resource Fair for the start of their new program year. This gave us the opportunity to speak with countless youth about our program, and we received a lot of valuable insight into what the youth would like to get out of our collaboration. Chef Lena brought along some tasty snacks; home made fig jam paired with cheese and crackers. Board member Sarah assembled a custom Starbucks gift basket to give away at our next class. Can’t wait to see some new faces at our upcoming classes!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #promises2kids

A Dish with Many Names

This week at the Youth Assistance Coalition San Diego, Chef Jos and Chef Kevin brought Tagliarini Picchi Pacchiu, AKA Tag Pic PAC, AKA Sicilian Pasta! The dish included pasta in a sauce made from fresh produce, along with chicken, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bacon. Many smiles were shared! Thank you Chef Jos and Chef Kevin!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #youthassistancecoalition #ChefJos

Quick and Easy Chili and Cornbread

Chef Violette aimed to teach the boys how to make a delicious batch of both chili and cornbread from scratch in under an hour. It took 55 minutes! There was some dicing and chopping of vegetables, searing of meat, seasoning added, then the chili was busy simmering away. Next up a quick cornbread recipe was followed, and while it was baking in the oven, the boys did the final tasting adjustments on the chili. Dinner was promptly served!

#chefangelssd #chefworks #varsityteam #thehandmadechef

Wrapping and Rolling…

We wrapped and we rolled. Chef Kevin brought a plethora of vegetables that the youth quickly chopped, minced, shredded and diced. Chicken was seasoned and cooked, then filled into prepared lettuce cups. Each youth took their turn to roll their own veggie egg rolls, followed by a bath in hot oil. A most delicious class!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #youthassistancecoalition #chefkevin

Ahi Tuna Ceviche!

Chef Lety’s class brought together kids and young adults alike at the San Diego Youth Assistance Coalition! Produce included tomatillos, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, cucumbers, limes, lemons, and peppers. The youth learned the importance of food sourcing as part of food safety, as well as how the acidic citrus fruits cured the fish. Using fresh, local ahi tuna, we create a delicate dish served with homemade tostadas! Thank you chef Lety!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #youthassistancecoalition #cheflety

Grilling with Chef Kevin!

Chef Kevin’s first solo class was a hit! The boys at Varsity House grilled up both chicken and steak skewers, learning how to use the heat to cook their meet to perfection. They prepared a combination of rice and orzo, served with their protein. Thank you Chef Kevin, we can’t wait to have you back!

#chefangelssd #chefworks #varsityteam #chefkevin

A Special Day at Specialty Produce

Sunday’s class brought Promises2Kids to Specialty Produce! Chef Jenn started class by breaking down the components of quiche and the importance behind each step of the cooking process. While the quiches were baking, the group took a tour of museum and store. The museum tour included sampling and stories behind unique produce, while the store portion of the tour brought the youth into the farmer’s market area, also known as Siberia. Each student even got to pick out their own kind of produce to try and take home! We then moved back to the kitchen to enjoy our two varieties of quiche and a colorful shaved vegetable salad with three dressing options. Thank you Chef Jenn for such a memorable class!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #SpecialtyProduce #ChefJenn #Promises2Kids

Sizzling Lumpia

Chef Ashley filled the San Diego Youth Assistance Coalition with the sizzling sounds and delicious smells of lumpia! After cooking the filling and an expert demonstration, it was time to roll! Everyone was able to follow their self-rolled lumpia through the frying process and enjoy their creation with sweet and sour sauce. Thank you Chef Ashley, lumpia was a hit!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #youthassistancecoalition #chefashley