Known for its annual Passion for Food and Wine dinner, the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) has a reputation for throwing some pretty swanky fundraisers. But this month, the organization is keeping it casual by hosting a traditional summer cookout to benefit the cause.
On Sunday May 31 from 12 to 4 p.m., a handful of local chefs will gather at Union Craft Brewing to prepare their takes on classic grilled fare and raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis research.
The event will serve as a preview for the foundation’s fancy Passion for Food and Wine gala, which also highlights local chefs preparing signature cuisine, and will be held on Thursday, September 3, this year.
“Barbecue is in every chef’s comfort zone, so it wasn’t hard to get everyone on board,” says Dave Seel, director of marketing and public relations for the Bagby Restaurant Group, who’s also a CFF board member. “To be able to bring in chefs from elegant fine dining restaurants and take it down a notch to a more casual level gives the event a fun twist.”
Seel also says that the spinoff concept is a great opportunity to hit a different demographic by selling tickets that are much cheaper than the pricey admission to the Passion for Food and Wine event.
Chefs from Fleet Street Kitchen, Aldo’s, Apropoe’s, 13.5% Wine Bar, The Food Market, Dooby’s, Schola Culinary School, Roy’s, and Wit & Wisdom will each put their own spin on a hearty main course and one side dish for guests to enjoy.
Some of the mouthwatering menu items to look out for include brisket, smoked pastrami, and pulled pork sandwiches, grilled lamb tacos, and Tuscan-style porchetta with rosemary and fennel pollen rub.
Aldo’s owner Sergio Vitale says that planning fundraisers like The Urban BBQ and Passion for Food and Wine—which involve meeting three to four times per year—creates a sense of camaraderie among the participating chefs.
“One of the reasons why these events attract such talented chefs is because once you know that all of the proceeds are going to research, it’s a no-brainer,” says Vitale, who has been a CFF advocate for 15 years.
In addition to all of the featured eats, Union will be pouring its signature brews throughout the afternoon, DJ Daniel Biltmore will be on hand to spin live music, and the team from The Charmery will be dishing out scoops of ice cream.
Seel says that expanding the Passion for Food and Wine brand with events like The Urban BBQ is an ideal way to raise awareness about a disease that affects so many.
“You can ask for money all you want, but events like this really allow people to build a sense of community around the cause,” he says.
The price of admission for the family-friendly barbecue includes all food, a raffle ticket, and your first beer.