ACHIEVEability’s Annual Food for Thought
This past Saturday, ACHIEVEability held its annual Food for Thought event at Urban Outfitters at the Navy Yard. The event boasted spectacular views, delicious food, and exciting auction items (think: a trip to South Africa for a safari).
Food for Thought, with Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank, grossed over $270,000 this year for its Family Self-Sufficiency Program and Community Services Office, programs dedicated to breaking the generational cycle of poverty and building stronger families and communities. Over 500 guests and nearly 20 chefs and restaurants came together to support the cause.
The event began just as the beautiful sunset graced the water and the massive navy ships.
Guests excitedly sampled items and listened to the live music.
Auction items ranged from a basket of cheese to a trip to a South African Safari.
Shake Shack served its signature Smoke Dog topped with melted cheese, chopped cherry pepper, and all-natural applewood smoked bacon.
The Shake Shack chefs busily prepare the Smoke Dogs behind the counter, freshly grilling the dogs and then slathering them with the toppings.
Tradestone Confections prepared two smooth and airy chocolates: one a decaf espresso and the other a malted milk truffle.
Chef Steve Linneman from Shop 543 served a crispy, yet tender, pork belly with pickled burdock and apple.
Sabrina’s surprised us by not serving its decadent french toast! Instead, we enjoyed their open face fried oyster po’boy, a flavorful sandwich packed with spicy seasoning and fried to a tasty crunch.
Pizzeria Vetri featured a delicious pizza al taglio wrapped in a fluffy dough and topped with asparagus, mint, and ricotta.
Terrain Garden Cafe featured vegetable and quinoa cakes topped with a sweet roast red beet puree.
Harvest prepared a smooth chipotle hummus served with crispy baguette slices.
Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House represented University City with plates of Ahi Tuna Bruschetta topped with avocado, grapefruit, and a light sesame-lime creme.
Fresh pasta, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, and tender brisket made up Eatible Delights Catering’s contribution to the evening. Below, the chefs pose for a quick shot before digging back into the tasty samples.
Garces Trading Company wowed guests with their crispy buttermilk fried chicken oysters and chicken and chanterelle terrine.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse prepared a top-notch steak sandwich for the VIP lounge.
VIP guests sipped on signature cocktails made with orange and pineapple.
VIP guests also enjoyed plates of hors d’oeuvres, including this dish of fresh bruschetta.
Tender and flavorful, the chili marinated pork shoulder prepared by Brauhaus Schmitz was a crowd pleaser.
Shake Shack’s famous frozen custard.
REX 1516 dipped into Southern territory with their spicy, Carolina pulled pork sandwich.
We ended the night with a sampling of Little Baby’s unique ice cream flavors. The refreshing flavors of the blueberry and ginger ice cream (above) alluded to Spring’s arrival.
A resounding success, ACHIEVEability’s Food for Thought brought foodies, chefs, and restauranteurs together to support a great cause. At the end of the night, guests were treated to canvas bags filled with goodies: notebooks, pens, a squishy hot pepper, hand sanitizer, spatulas, and candles. But, the real prize of the night was not going away with party favors or with a lucky auction win (sadly, the safari trip was a bit out of price range), but going away with the comfort of having supported a great organization–and with the comfort of delicious food left lingering on your taste buds.
–Chase Matecun and Katie Behrman