CULTIVATE LA : Chefs Support Foster Youth

On Saturday October 11th, Zoe Nathan of Santa Monica restaurants Huckleberry Bakery & Café, Rustic Canyon, Milo & Olive, and Sweet Rose Creamery held a book signing for her new cookbook at United Friends of the Children's annual culinary fundraiser

CULTIVATE LA benefiting foster youth.

The book, titled Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes from Our Kitchen has over 115 healthy recipes, from sweet (rustic cakes, muffins, and scones) to savory (hot cereals, biscuits, and quiche) using whole-grain flours, sesame and flax seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, natural sugars, and gluten-free and vegan options. Over 150 color photographs help understand how-to sequences for mastering basics such as flaky dough and lining a cake pan.

The event kicked off with a sunset reception at 6pm, followed by a 7:00 pm grand tasting garden party for general dmission. Serving the cuisine were chefs Brendan Collins (Waterloo & City), Duff Goldman (Charm City Cakes West, Duff's Cakemix), Eric Greenspan (National Geographic's Eric Greenspan is Hungry, Greenspan's Grilled Cheese), Ricardo Zarate (Picca, Mo Chica), Chaya, and Blue Plate Oysterette along with other restaurants and bakeries.

Beverages included signature craft cocktails from Bar Hill Gin, Del Maguey Mezcal, High West Distillery, The House Angoustura Rum, Vya Vermouth along with California wines and brews.

Silent auction items included large format wines, vineyard trips, exlusive dining experiences, restaurant gift certificates, and more with convenient and trendy mobile bidding. A raffle provided the opportunity to win an instant wine cellar of your own.

United Friends of the Children, the host charity helps over 1,500 current and former Los Angeles foster youth with college preparedness, sponsorships to attend and graduate from college, transitional housing, life skills, career training, and internships, to help youth make successful transitions to a meaningful, happy and independent adult life.