72 hours and counting (down)…

We bought our coffee from Bob to donate to Emergency Communities.

We watched the film Spike was meant to make.

We checked out Judy’s recipe swap forum.

We pulled this book from our shelves for inspiration.

We’re ready!  Wish us luck.  We’ll be sure to bring back pralines for y’all.

Two of our most favorite friends and food bloggers, Gerald from Foodite and Jody from Eddybles, took time out of their regularly scheduled Monday nights to mingle with us at the Acme event.  Not only did they grace us with their company (and cameras!) but they bestowed us with two fabulous posts.  It is nice to see CulinaryCorps snuggle up so nicely with its online brethren.  Thanks Gerald and Jody!

ps: Eddybles first post on CulinaryCorps can be found here and the Acme follow-up, here.  And Foodite’s first post on the trip can be found here and the Acme follow-up, here.

A heart-felt thanks to everyone who made it out to last night’s fundraising event at Acme Bar and Grill! 

With your help, CulinaryCorps has the necessary funds to bring some amazing donations down to our project partners including an incredible knife set to Emergency Communities and “Iron Chef” cook-off supplies to the Edible Schoolyard at Samuel Green Charter School.  We’ll be organizing a “Pasta” challenge for the 7th grade class so Mario Batali take note!

Our favorite thing about any NYC event is the unbelievable stories you glean from the crowd.  We were fortunate enough to exchange information with Jill S. from New Amersterdam Public, an organization determined to bring delectables from throughout the region to the Seaport.  Check out their vision for year-round, indoor market on their website and join their mailing list so you’re the first in line when it opens!

Top Ten Reason You Want to Be in New Orleans?

One of our favorites to make a list…

“Its food cannot be replicated. New Orleans cuisine on a BAD day is better than anything else on a GOOD day… “

We second that.

Just a subtle reminder that if you make it out to Acme Bar and Grill from 6-8pm on Monday, March 12th for our first-ever CulinaryCorps fundraiser, you just may walk away with one of these fabulous prizes…

…Dinner for two at L’Ecole with Sommelier’s Choice Wine Pairing - 1,000 Sweet Endings (A copy of cookbooks “500 Cupcakes”  and “500 Cookies”) - An elite membership to the Cookie of the Month Club - A copy of Danny Meyer’s new book “Hospitality” - NOLA t-shirts you just can’t find in NYC…

And of course, a free drink and Cajun bar snacks to all of those who part with a crisp twenty dollar bill (or neatly signed check) at the door!

Come out and party with us, our project partners will thank you!

Emergency Communities opened their Lower 9th Ward kitchen earlier this year. In a few short months, their comunal tables have already become a popular destination for the local community. Serving over 600 meals per day and growing, Emergency Communities gives those rebuilding their homes a chance to refuel and connect with their neighbors. CulinaryCorps is thrilled to be partnering with them in March during our inaugural trip.

But they need your help!   To raise some necessary funds to continue their meal program and add to a growing “tool library”, they are having a benefit in Brooklyn this Thursday, March 8th. Rising folk starlet Antje Duvekot will be playing and there will be drinks and good times for all.

Here’s the info:

When: Thursday March 8th @ 8pm
Featuring: Feat. Antje Duvekot, 12 Hour Shift
Where: Supreme Trading, 213 North 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Take the L to Bedford) 
Cost: $20 suggested donation

Yes please!

Ellen B., a team member on our March 12th trip to NOLA, has generously donated a cookie-of-the-month membership to pad out our doorprize stash.  Imagine getting a dozen freshly baked cookies delivered to your doorstep for a whole year!  

Just one more sweet reason to join us for our March 12th fundraiser (see previous post for details).

And now that we reeled you in with thoughts of free cookies…

Every cook knows that without fresh water, the possibility of good, fresh food is slim.  We recently stumbled across an article about PlayPumps - an innovative idea that combines playground reverie with a pumping system to procure fresh water.   Who knew the value inherent in a simple merry-go-round? 

What everyday items in your life can you retool to make a difference?