If you have a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in, you are fortunate. We discuss fundraisers and charities on Grub Guide to promote all the worthy causes raising money so others can live a better life. If giving a straight donation isn’t your jam, attend one of these events; your mind and your stomach both get fed.
Chipotle Fundraiser Today! – all OC locations
Pet owners and all lovers of cats and dogs are encouraged to swing by your nearest Chipotle today. From opening to closing on May 10 only, 50% of all sales will go towards the Orange County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Simply mention this fundraiser before paying to have your transaction count. Help give a homeless pooch or kitty a better future. www.chipotle.com.
SAJJ Introduces Chocolate Hummus!?! – Rancho Santa Margarita
Did you know that this Sunday is National Hummus Day? We didn’t either! To celebrate this delicious holiday, SAJJ Mediterranean is welcoming its newest menu item in the form of dessert. Normally a savory treat, chocolate hummus is low in fat, carbs and even sodium. We hear a six-ounce serving is 240 calories. Order it with their cinnamon sugar-dusted chips for $3.95, or by itself for just two bucks. Stop by for a free sample on the 13th, and tell us if you see a trend in their future. 22245 El Paseo, Ste. A, (949) 709-7779; www.sajjstreeteats.com.
Taste of the Nation Next Weekend – Laguna Beach
Celebrity chefs will be the talk of the town on May 20th, as they help raise funds for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. A live auction, wine tastings, post-party treats and more are scheduled at Montage resort. Your host chefs are the gracious Craig Strong and Julia Browne. Featured chefs include the likes of OC’s very own Top Chef finalist, Amar Santana, Eric Samaniego of Michael’s on Naples Ristorante and Brian Huskey of Tackle Box. Purchase tickets and learn more over here. 30801 S. Coast Hwy., (949) 715-6000; events.nokidhungry.org.
Bracken’s Kitchen/The Hungry Games Results – Costa Mesa
Last week’s fundraiser to help Bracken’s Kitchen was quite a success. Over $60,000 was raised by local chefs during this friendly “app-off” competition known as The Hungry Games. When the dust settled, Chef Jason Montelibano of Chapter One: the Modern Local proved victorious. Everybody was a winner that evening, after enjoying bread from OC Baking Co, and sweets from both The Crema Cafe and The Dirty Cookie. If you couldn’t attend this time around, we’re here to inform you that a fall edition of The Hungry Games is in the works. Sign up on his website for updates, and bring your appetite! www.brackenskitchen.com.
Join in on the Great Donut Run! – Irvine
Working with Urban Health Alliance and Run 4 Recovery, The Great Donut Run is all about sweet, sweet fun on May 20. The Donut Run/Walk 5k involves a donut hole midway, and a whole donut along with your medal at the finish line. More ambitious appetites should register for the Donut Challenge: Start with the donut hole, then chow down on two entire donuts later on before heading back to the finish. Online registration ends the 14th. Oh, and all the race donuts are provided by our favorite folks at Glee Donuts and Burgers! www.greatdonutrun.com.
Chef Jamie Gwen on Beat Bobby Flay Tonight! – Food Network
Local celebrity chef and media personality Jamie Gwen is scheduled to appear on tonight’s episode of Beat Bobby Flay. Gwen, a multiple cookbook author, also hosts her own radio show, Food & Wine with Chef Jamie Gwen. Per the Food Network website, this is the Episode 4 description (airing at 7 and 10 p.m.):
Sprung a Leek – It’s all niceties when Food Network’s Damaris Phillips and Amanda Freitag team up to take down their good friend Bobby Flay. They’ve brought in Japanese cuisine master Shota Nakajima and the voice of all things culinary, Chef Jamie Gwen, to dish up a mean victory.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.