The only reason I distinguish this post in the subject, is due to the fact that there will be 2 posts about it… Lauren and I went to the same event! In fact, we sat next to each other! You can contrast and compare and realize that yes, she has a rockin’ camera! And she has connections with Beringer and brought a tasty Merlot.

Ghetto Gourmet was so much fun! Many thanks to guys who put it on (Jeremy, with assistance from his roommate David) and the fabulous chef — Chef Cody– who offered his space and skill. I had a bit of an issue realizing that I was confirmed since my spam filter got the directions. I was a bit wary of driving to HP without knowing exactly where I was going. Turns out Chef Cody lives in this great artistic community- a few blocks on the otherside of 3rd street with tons of interesting projects going on. We dined at Cody’s ArtsFactory then piled into a modified Fire Truck and whisked off to the Burning Man sculptures near the Ferry Building for some brownie cake.

That is the view from the top of the Fire Truck down 3rd Street, as the game let out. It was a super joyride, blasting tunes and dancing!

One of the key elements of gourmet ghetto is the social aspect. I met a ton of interesting people that were at my table, on the bus, or admiring the sculptures. Where else do you have a real dining out experience with ten times the quality of food and less pretentiousness, oh and you can BYOB (in fact, required to). Yet, there were tableclothes. Our menu was also crafted from local gardens, butchers, and bakeries. My favorite Brioche Bakery – where the chef works during the day- was the supplier of our amazing bread and brownie cakes! A couple of comments about the menu: the mushroom pastry was just what I hoped it would be. The tomatoes and yellow beets in the salad were great, and the champagne vinaigrette was perfect for that hot night. The servings were quite large, and the service was sooo nice- the organizers talked to you by name, and there was no obsequiousness, just nice old politeness and consideration, like you were at your friend’s house for dinner- that is, if your friend is an amazing cook.

We got a mid-meal rap artist interlude. A former student of the organizer Jeremy, and a performer besides, sang/spoke some songs from his CD- name is Kasi and he’s on Young Black Entrepreneurs label . He picked up the vibe from our evening and played something “mellow, that y’all will like.” I also admired him for saying “just kidding” when he rapped about killing a cat. Haha.