Su-Mei Yu, chef, author, and host of Savor San Diego on KPBS, and Sam "The Cooking Guy" Zien are set to headline “Seedling Soirée,” a benefit this Saturday, June 7 for the edible education programs at Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center. The evening will feature cocktails and appetizers inspired by the spring harvest followed by an organic, family-style feast prepared by some of San Diego's most notable chefs.
This year’s theme is “Seedling Soirée - A Celebration of Family.” The event will recognize four years of successful garden and nutrition education programs for families. Yu will share her experiences working with San Diego’s large family of food producers, and families who have benefited from Olivewood’s programs will share additional personal stories of success and inspiration.
The unique outdoor evening will consist of a “Twilight Cocktails and Appetizers” reception and a “Culinary Feast” dinner. Garden-inspired craft cocktails and appetizers will be served at the reception, followed by dinner on the grounds of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center.
The Twilight Cocktails and Appetizers reception features four chefs who will offer dishes inspired by the spring harvest of Olivewood Gardens. Live jazz will be provided by Sarah Maisel. Starlite Lounge San Diego will create craft cocktails, featuring herbs from Olivewood Gardens and liquor provided by Crusoe Organic Rum. Wine will be provided by local wineries Vesper Vineyards and Stehleon Vineyards.
The dinner will feature top local chefs serving their garden-inspired dishes in a family-style manner. The chefs will collaborate with local farmers and fishermen on the creation of unique dishes to present the best of San Diego County’s organic and sustainably grown produce, seafood, meats, and confections. Ingredients and menu items will be donated by event sponsors including Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce. The restaurants and caterers who will be featured include:
Carlos Anthony – Salt & Cleaver
Hanis Cavin – Carnitas Snack Shack
Andrea Davis – Andrea’s Truffles
Amy DiBiase –Tidal
Marguerite Grifka – California’s Table
Karrie Hills – The Red Door and The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge
George Morris – Beaumont’s Eatery
Maylin Navarro and Melissa Mayer – Olympia Oyster Bar
Joe Pastry – Waters Fine Food and Catering
Tickets for the Twilight Cocktails and Appetizers portion (5:30-7:30pm) of the Seedling Soirée are $50, and $200 for the Culinary Feast (7-9pm), which includes the Twilight Cocktails and Appetizers. This outdoor event will be set in Olivewood’s organic gardens alongside the historic Princess Anne Victorian home located at 2525 N Avenue in National City. Guests will be able to tour the educational gardens during the evening. Proceeds of the Seedling Soirée will benefit the kitchen, garden and science programs offered by Olivewood Gardens to children and adults throughout San Diego County.
More information and ticket details are available at olivewoodgardens.org/seedling-soiree.
