Dining with the Stars

On Monday evening, 24 of New York’s most sought-after chefs gathered on Wall Street for Edible Schoolyard NYC’s third annual spring gala, which raises money to help public schools build organic gardens, implement seed-to-table education, and encourage healthy eating. Boughs of locally sourced greenery masked the cavernous dining room, which overflowed with a sea of hungry guests including Jodie Foster, Jenna Lyons, and Chelsea Clinton, who came to show their support for the local food education non-profit. Unlike other galas, where the meal is often an afterthought, the seated dinner at Edible Schoolyard NYC’s event was the highlight of the evening, with chefs like April Bloomfield, Tom Colicchio, and Marcus Samuelsson serving special menus to only a table or two. “It’s not hard to get chefs behind kids,” said David Chang, a loyal supporter of the charity. “Connecting food to its provenance is a really gratifying experience.” Happily ensconced at a table served by Ann Redding and Matt Danzer of Uncle Boons, Edible Schoolyard NYC’s director Kate Brashares reiterated the project’s core agenda: “We want to bring a sense of joy to food.” Mission accomplished.