The Citymeals Blog

I’m very proud to say that this is my fourteenth year as the Beverage Chair for Chefs’ Tribute and it’s given me a great satisfaction to help Citymeals create the beverage component for the event.  
The craft cocktail industry was in its infancy when I began volunteering for Citymeals back in 2003, so I needed to be closely involved in selecting the cocktails and bartenders for the event. My role was more labor-intensive because these artisan bartenders were just beginning to learn their craft. Today, I entrust each bar with their own creations, knowing they will be spot-on.

I often look within my own family of bars when deciding which craft cocktail bars to invite to participate in the event. Many of them have worked and trained with me at Pegu Club, so I have an intimate understanding of each one’s particular style. With the growth of available talent, it’s become harder to narrow down who will participate!

In January or February when the event theme and date are established, I begin reaching out to potential spirits sponsors and commence fundraising. Once a sponsor makes the decision to come on board, I’ll enlist two different craft cocktail bars to work with them.

Being the Beverage Chair for this event is all-encompassing. Everything from the placement of the bar to the sponsor artwork to the glassware is in my hands. I even procure additional product donations for the Chef’s After-Party and their gift bags. After more than a decade of refinement I’m happy to say that it has become a well-oiled machine.

The varying themes each year are always exciting too. The one theme that I’m keeping my fingers crossed for is….Polynesia!  Wouldn’t it be fun to have Tiki cocktails, and all the bartenders dressed in Trader Vic fashion? South Pacific, here we come!

Beyond behind-the-scenes mechanics of the event, the bigger picture for me is the mission of Citymeals. I have always valued the wisdom that comes along with being a senior. In fact, one of my earliest and most gratifying jobs was working at a senior center in the town where I grew up. While its primary function was to serve a nutritious lunch every day, my favorite part was simply spending time talking with the seniors. There was so much collective wisdom and I learned a great deal from them.

In an age where life now moves as fast as the click of a button, we need to be a society that looks after its elders, especially those who are homebound. I volunteer for Citymeals because I know that I can make a difference. While I might not be delivering the meals each day, it fills my heart with much good knowing that I am able to play a small part in it.