We first met Greg Moro when he represented French 75 in Laguna. Although we got to know him better as our On the Line subject at Tustin's Nieuport 17, he's been linked to the kitchens of Charlie Palmer and Chapter One: the modern local. We most recently referenced Greg when he worked on the Performance Kitchen's meal concept earlier this year.
On September 8, Moro interviewed for a chef position at the Island Hotel, but was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident later that day. His progress has been chronicled on the Facebook page Praying for Greg. Within two weeks, he was off sedation and showing signs of responsiveness. Over a month later, and he's begun physical and occupational therapy. While there have been (and continue to be) setbacks to his recovery, family, friends and colleagues have rallied to help.
Next Tuesday, October 18, The Iron Press in Costa Mesa will hold a tap takeover by The Bruery and The Bruery Terruex beginning at 5 p.m. 10% of all sales will go towards Greg Moro's recovery. Amusing brews include Autumn Maple, Dodie, The Grade, Beret and Sans Pagaie. Prizes to be awarded from raffling and silent auction include generous donations from over 50 businesses including Five Crowns, Haven Collective, The Halal Guys, Pizzeria Ortica and so many more.
If you cannot make it out to The Iron Press, three more establishments will kindly donate 10% of their sales that day: Burger Parlor (Fullerton and Orange locations), Costa Mesa's Portola Coffee Lab and The Original Sgt Pepperoni's Pizza Store in Newport Beach (5-9 p.m.). There is also an ongoing GoFundMe page accepting donations.
For those that enjoy options, The Original Manassero Farm in Irvine is holding a special “Breakfast in the Barn for Gregory” fundraiser on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. Kimmy Wilson of Pinkiwi Culinary Production, Chris Tzorin of Tempo Urban Kitchen, Deb Sims of Maro Wood Grill, Pascal Gimenez of Cafe Beau Soleil and O.G. Chef Pascal Olhats will be entertaining and feeding participants. No matter how you show your support, know that your thoughts and prayers are also valued and appreciated by Greg Moro's circle of family and friends.
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.