The James Beard Foundation And Children's Museum Of Manhattan Announce New Line-up For Its Family Chef Series

Popular Healthy Cooking Demonstrations with Renowned Chefs Returns for a Second Year

New York, NY, November 15, 2012 - The James Beard Foundation, America's foremost nonprofit culinary arts organization, announced today it is extending its partnership with the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) to produce high quality programming at the museum for families interested in healthy cooking. The program, which is entering its second year, features chefs partnered with the James Beard Foundation who demonstrate delicious, affordable recipes that appeal to both children and adults. Part of CMOM's EatSleepPlay initiative, these demonstrations have become one of the more popular public programs at the Museum.
"Over the past year, not only has the James Beard Foundation helped us raise awareness about the seriousness of the childhood obesity problem facing our communities, they've done it in a very positive way," said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director of CMOM. "Children are more likely to try - and like - healthy food when it is presented to them through fun demonstrations in a relaxed environment filled with other children. I've seen children trying chick peas, green beans, even Brussels sprouts!"
"The pace of our lives has made it hard enough for working families to put a home cooked meal on the table. Making a dish healthy is often times perceived to be either too time consuming and price prohibitive," said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. "One of the goals of our cooking demonstrations with CMOM is to debunk this misconception. The chefs present families with ideas and recipes that use fresh, affordable ingredients and are quick and easy to prepare. We also show how including children in meal planning and the cooking process can be a fun, family-bonding experience."
The current schedule of programs in The James Beard Foundation Family Chef Series at CMOM runs through March and includes:
Saturday, November 24 - Sara Jenkins is the owner and chef of Veloce, Porchetta, and Porsena. Each of her restaurants focuses on a different Italian staple.
Thursday, December 27 - Jehangir Mehta is executive chef and owner of Graffiti, located in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood and Mehtaphor, situated in the Duane Street Hotel. He is the author of the cookbook Mantra: The Rules of Indulgence, and runs a cooking class for children at his restaurant.
Sunday, February 24 - Waldy Malouf is the chef and co-owner of Beacon Restaurant - Bar - Bakery, and the CEO and founder of High Heat Pizza Burgers & Tap in Greenwich Village. He is also author of The Hudson River Valley Cookbook: A Leading American Chef Savors the Region's Bounty and High Heat: Grilling and Roasting Year-Round with Master Chef Waldy Malouf.
Wednesday, March 27 - Terrance Brennan is the chef/owner of the successful and acclaimed restaurants Picholine and Artisanal Fromagerie, Bistro & Wine Bar in Manhattan.
CMOM programs are made possible, in part, by a generous gift from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.