A Benefit Dinner in Honor of King
Monday June 5th, you can honor King's legacy and help fund a scholarship for aspiring chefs from under-represented populations.
As you probably remember, chef King Phojanakong, a longtime colleague and friend of so many in this industry, died suddenly in January, leaving behind his wife Annabel, his daughter Phebe (12) and his son Eduard (6).
If you knew King, or knew of him, you know he was so genuinely joyful, he practically wore his love for life like a crown. He was just that guy. The one who made a room light up. (Read more about King here.)
Now his grieving family has created The Chef King Phojanakong Foundation , a nonprofit aimed at providing educational and training opportunities to aspiring chefs from under-represented populations. The fund’s mission, according to its website, is to continue the legacy of charitable giving that Chef King began as a passionate chef and restaurant owner in his community, and to support those who wish to pursue a career in the culinary arts. “We understand, like Chef King did, that together we are better able to make a difference and have a positive influence in our community,” reads the mission statement. Amen.
The Inaugural Benefit Dinner takes place on Monday June 5th at Project Farmhouse (76 East 13th Street, New York) from 6pm-9pm, and includes an amazing multi-course tasting feast with dishes from King’s friends including: Lechon (Whole Roast Pig) and Pork Belly Musubi from Chef Augelyn Francisco, Kabisera; Lumpia (Crispy Pork Spring Rolls) from Chef Jesse Jones; Sauteed Chinese Sausage with Thai Chili-Lime Sauce and Sticky Rice from Chef David Bank, Land Thai; Tita Em’s Adobo Chicken Wings from Chef David Waltuck; Pancit Bihon (Stir Fried Noodles), from Chef Tony Lui, The Queensboro; Seared Big Eye Tuna, Thai Chili, Miso Vinaigrette, from Shane Benson & Luis Fernandez, NY Vintners; Yellowfin Tuna Tartare on Rice Cracker from Chef Sabrina Sexton, Commonpoint Queens; Squid Salad from Chef Alex Raij, Txikito, La Vara, Saint Julivert; Beef Tapa from Chef Jappy Diago Afzelius’; Sautéed Tofu In Spicy Soy Mirin from Chef Sabrina Sexton, Commonpoint Queens; Sautéed Market Greens & Sautéed Greenmarket Mushrooms from Chef Charlie Kiely; Calamansi Tart & Ube Cookies from Chef Jeanette Arcillas, ABC Kitchen; Peanut Butter Pudding from chefs Debbie Weiner & Peggy Williams, Sugar Sweet Sunshine; and Thai Chili Chocolate Ice Cream from Jon Snyder, il laboratorio del gelato.
There’s also a fantastic Silent Auction (bid now, it closes Monday at 9pm) with prizes like VIP Tickets to Alvin Ailey, gift cards to dozens of acclaimed restaurants, cookware, jewelry, skincare, career coaching, yoga, acupuncture, headshot photography, and so much more.
I hope to see you there!
Individual ticket price $225, and there are other more significant donor sponsorship opportunities available. Get your tickets, or make a donation if you can’t come, here.