Acclaimed Bay Area chef Alice Waters is bringing her seasonally-inspired cuisine to Orange County in June, cooking a multi-course meal for The Ecology Center’s annual Green Feast. The fundraiser supports the organization’s effort to bring edible gardens to local schools.
The program was inspired by Waters. Often referred to as the “mother of the farm-to-table movement,” she is the chef and owner of the pioneering slow-food cafe Chez Panisse in Berkeley. When she opened the acclaimed restaurant in 1971, she promoted a seasonal menu with dishes made from locally grown and sourced ingredients.
In 1996, Waters launched The Edible Schoolyard project in Berkeley, which educates school-age children about the food cycle and helps schools build farm-to-plate gardens.
Evan Marks, executive director of The Ecology Center, said Waters’ appearance will bring global attention to the San Juan Capistrano organization’s work. To date, most of the center’s outreach has been limited to south Orange County schools. Marks said his goal is to bring edible gardens to every school in Orange County.
Tickets for Green Feast are $500 and go on sale May 18. An annual membership fee (starting at $50) is required for admission. For more information, go to: www.theecologycenter.org
Contact the writer: nluna@ocregister.com
