Sunday Supper At Union Market Took Place On June 14

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DC's acclaimed Union Market was the setting for the fourth annual Sunday Supper on June 14, 2015.  The event benefited the James Beard Foundation, specifically the Women in Culinary Leadership Program which helps mentor and train women aspiring to careers in the culinary industry.

As with any family meal, diners shared a communal table with chefs, local artisans and culinary experts while they enjoyed the cooking of the featured females chefs with local ingredients that made the evening possible.  Notable male chefs and friends of Union Market were named Honorary Event Chairs to help celebrate the Supper Chefs.

This year's meal featured three delectable sit-down courses, each prepared by a different pair of renowned chefs, and desserts by successful pastry and dessert chefs.  The full roster of chefs included:

• Katie Button, Curate and Nightbell
• Jen Carroll, Carroll Couture Cuisine
• Jamie Leeds, Hank's Oyster Bar
• Ris Lacoste, RIS
• Yesoon Lee, Mandu
• Seng Luangrath, Thip Kao & Bangkok Garden
• Aggie Chin, Capela DC
• Melania Castegnaro, RIS
• Zoe Tsoukatos, Zoe's Chocolate Co.
• April Richardson, Delectable Cakery

"I am happy to donate my time to an event that gives women opportunities in the culinary industry – particularly one that focuses on getting women into leadership roles.  In Culinary school programs, there is a high percentage of women enrolling, but as you move up the ranks eventually reaching management positions and the position of chef de cuisine, the number of women in those roles drops drastically.  Programs like the James Beard Foundation's Women in Culinary Leadership Program are going to help us correct that by giving women the tools they need to make it to those top leadership positions.  I am thrilled to be a part of it!" said Katie Button.

Furthering the support for the James Beard Foundation's Women in Culinary Leadership Program, Sunday Supper kicked off a 10-day digital silent auction.  Bidding is now open at www.biddingforgood.com/jbfauction.  Student volunteers through Brainfood, a program offering high-quality produce and real world experience for youth, helped the chefs prepare Sunday's meal.  Also supporting women in the culinary industry, Women Chefs and Restaurateurs provided snacks during cocktail hour.

The featured male chef ambassadors included:

• Victor Albisu, Del Campo
• Mike Friedman, Red Hen
• Nick Stefanelli, Masseria
• Ruben Garcia, Culinary Director, ThinkfoodGroup
• Haidar Karoum, Proof and Estadio

"This year's Sunday Supper benefiting the James Beard Foundation's Women in Culinary Leadership Program means a lot to me. I honed my craft in kitchens and I know how valuable mentorship programs can be, especially for women in this industry.  I'm thrilled to cook alongside these amazing chefs for such a great cause," said Jamie Leeds.

ABOUT UNION MARKET
Union Market, located a short walk from the NoMa/Gallaudet metro, is a 45-acre district that is planned for over 7 MSF of space.  EDENS has a clear vision to redevelop the district into one of DC's most vibrant, diverse and thriving neighborhoods—a living laboratory for a sustainable urban community.  Since opening in September 2012, The Market at Union Market, the acclaimed food market with over 40 local artisans, now averages 15,000 visitors per weekend and has hosted over 150 events.  For more information about Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com.

For more information about the James Beard Foundation and Women in Culinary Leadership, please visit www.jamesbeard.org.

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SOURCE EDENS