Celebrated Chef Mark Bittman Cooks with Bronx Teens

February 4, 2009

Mark Bittman, chef, author and New York Times columnist, joined aspiring teen chefs in the South Bronx to prepare a unique tasting experience for a special reception at The Children's Aid Society’s Next Generation Center on February 3rd.

Guests dined on a menu chosen by Bittman – winter vegetable stew, cabbage salad and roasted sweet potatoes – and prepared by Bittman and the teen members of the Next Generation Caterers. The teens enjoyed the opportunity to observe Bittman in action in the kitchen and work alongside and ask questions of the celebrated chef.

The Next Generation Caterers grew out of the teens’ interest in cooking and learning not only how to prepare food, but how to run a business. The catering company is both a training and employment program, touching on every aspect of the business, from basic job skills to marketing to preparing and serving food. After successfully catering Children’s Aid events, the Next Generation Caterers have gone on to prepare and serve food at events for The New York State Council on Food Policy, World Hunger Year and the Manhattan Borough President, among others.

After the delicious meal, Bittman signed copies of his books for guests. The proceeds of this special book sale benefited Children’s Aid.

Pictured above: Mark Bittman with Next Generation Caterers Damaris “Machy” Rodriguez (left) and Darshawn Harrison (right).