Local chefs channel their inner rock stars to help fight domestic violence
By Logan Broyles | SDUN Reporter
Some of the top chefs in San Diego will be leaving the kitchen and lending their skills as musicians to help fight domestic violence at the third annual Battle of the Chef Bands, held at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, Calif. It is no coincidence the event falls on a Monday – Jan. 28 – a day that is customarily the restaurant industry’s time off.
The Center for Community Solutions (CCS) operates the only rape crisis center in all of San Diego, and also provides a 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline, emergency domestic shelters, hospital and court accompaniment, and legal and counseling services for anyone that is the victim of rape or domestic abuse. The CCS also works with local schools and community groups to help promote awareness against domestic violence.
Additionally, the nonprofit also organizes the annual Chef Showdown, an Iron Chef-like culinary competition and fundraiser that will be held for the ninth time this September.
“I’ve been the emcee of the CCS Chef Showdown for five years now, and when I was asked if I’d be part of the Chef Band event it was a no brainer,” Zien said. “People should come to this event because the CCS is a fantastic organization that works really hard to help women and children affected by domestic violence.”
On top of that, Zien said, the Chef Band event is just plain fun.
“I mean, how often do you get to see your favorite chefs come out from the kitchen, take off their whites and perform music live? I know many of the chefs that will be playing that night, and trust me, some of the performances will blow you away,” he said.
Chef bands will be representing some of the city’s finest eateries, including Stone Brewery, Jaynes Gastropub, Café Chloe, Venissimo Cheese, Richard Walker’s and Barleymash, among others. Eclipse Chocolate, Trumer Pilsner, St. Petersburg Vodka and DiningOutSD will award prizes for the best bands.
There will also be great food provided by the Marina Kitchen, Sushi on a Roll, Nobu, Barrio Star, Wild Thyme Catering, Solace and Moonlight Lounge, Sadie Rose Bakery, Casanova Fish Tacos, Eclipse Chocolate, and Hodad’s.
But don’t expect a bunch of people onstage banging pots and pans, as these are real bands that will be playing their hearts out in order to help a very worthy cause.
“When it comes to making either food or music, the common element seems to be creativity,” Zien said. “It’s not uncommon to see a chef with a side hobby that’s equally as creative as cooking, and music is often it. I played trumpet all through high school, and I’ll be doing everyone a favor by not playing it that night.”
“Our band started in the mid ‘90s,” he said. “We all worked together at a restaurant in Flagstaff, Ariz. and spent a year or so playing there until everyone graduated college that was in the band – except me – and wanted to move to a bigger city to see if we could make it big.”
The group nearly did make it, even securing three days in a recording studio in Los Angeles to do a demo for RCA Records. Unfortunately for them things didn’t work out, but fortunately for San Diegans Gordon cultivated his passion for all things food related on the side; the rest is North Park culinary history.
While these chefs may not be quitting their day jobs anytime soon, for one night they will get to channel their inner rock stars while jamming on one of the greatest stages in Southern California.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. The Belly Up is located at 143 S. Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach. For more information and tickets, visit bellyup.com or call 858-481-8140.
