Imagine 12 delectable food courses placed in front of you over the span of one evening. And not just any food, but a plate prepared by some of Boston’s top chefs in the biz. Normally, most might have felt a slight tinge of guilt for overindulging in such a blowout dinner (read: gluttony) but not last night. Because with each bite of scrumptious fare, guests gave back to a very-deserving charity, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, to help feed the less fortunate this holiday season.
The surprisingly intimate OverKill tasting event, which took place last night, November 21, along the Charles River, did not leave a single guest disappointed. Harvest’s Pastry Chef Brian Mercury and Executive Chef Mary Dumont coordinated the charity event, which included some of the very best in Boston’s culinary sphere.
The night began with tipsy-inducing punchbowls created by bartenders, Kelly Unda (Harvest and Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar), Stephanie Lauria (Daddy Jones), and Tanita Macy (Abby Lane). Guests sat down for a pre-Thanksgiving 12-course tasting that was truly the feast to end all feasts (sorry, Turkey Day).
And true to its name, the meal was OverKill, with food prepared by Boston Chefs Brian Mercury and Mary Dumont (Harvest), Jaime Davis (Deuxave), Will Gilson (Puritan and Co.), Monica Glass (Clio), Carolyn Johnson (80 Thoreau) Christina Mercado (Finale), Irene Li & Max Hull (Mei Mei), Alex Saenz (Lineage), Heather Schmidt (Union Square Donuts), Dave Schneller (Canary Square), Meghan Thompson (Steel & Rye), and Brian Young (Post 390).
Between the six entrees and six dessert tasting-size dishes, I can say with total certainty that every guest had their fill. But what made the night truly unique and special was the fact that each chef took the time to speak about their own tasting dish to the guests. Many of which were creative twists on typical fall fare.
A couple of my favorite dishes included: Puritan & Co’s Chef Will Gilson’s Hay Roasted Carrots with savory spice carrot tapioca, amaranth and homemade kielbasa, and the Nantucket Bay Scallop Crudo from Chef Carolyn Johnson of 80 Thoreau. The desserts were no less appetizing with everything from a Miso Cheesecake to an adult-twist on the creamsicle.
But amazing food aside, the night was truly a showing of genuine camaraderie between Boston chefs, who came together to raise money for those in need. The proceeds from the event go towards Lovin’ Spoonfuls charity, which facilitates the recovery and distribution of healthy food that would otherwise be discarded.
Check out the sights from the event in the slideshow below.
Image via Kristin Teig Photography
