Foodies With Benefits

Taste of the Nation to Bring David Katz Back to the Kitchen

David Katz and Kevin Sbraga causin' hard times, for sucker emcees.
David Katz and Kevin Sbraga causin’ hard times, for sucker emcees. Photo: Collin Keefe

David Katz, chef-owner of dearly departed Mémé, signed on to be the Chef Chair for Taste of the Nation long before deciding to hang up his apron for good. But he’s going to slip back into his whites one last time next month at Hotel Monaco to cook for the cause. As a rep for Creekstone Farm, he’s naturally going to feature the big-name beef producer’s best in the dish he’s serving. Joining him will be Emmanuelle barkeep Phoebe Esmon, who serves as the fundraiser’s Mixology Chair. The two are being joined by chefs from more than 25 other local restaurants to raise money for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry initiative, which supports Philabundance, Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, The Food Trust and the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Committee.

In addition to seeing Katz suiting back up, the event promises a first taste from Joncarl Lachman’s forthcoming Noord, which is slated to open later this spring near East Passyunk Avenue. There will be plenty of booze, too. Various stations will be set up to serve cocktails, beer and wine. Tickets for the April 28 affair are on sale now, and run $85 for general admission, and $135 for VIP. You can get them here.

Below is a list of participating restaurants confirmed for the fundraiser:

• Alla Spina

• Bistrot la Minette

• Brauhaus Schmitz

• Creekstone Farms (Chef Chair David Katz)

• Davio’s

• Fork

• Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

• McCrossen’s Tavern

• Noord

• Red Owl Tavern

• South Philadelphia Tap Room

• Sophia’s

• Sbraga

• Square 1682

• Tashan

• Vernick Food & Drink

• Zahav

Taste of the Nation to Bring David Katz Back to the Kitchen