Chef’s Table To Help Hungry Kids

By Jano Tantongco

jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

James Tchinnis, executive chef at and owner of Swallow restaurant, is partnering with five other Long Island chefs to host a chef’s table event at the Huntington village restaurant, proceeds of which will help connect hungry kids with healthy food.

James Tchinnis, executive chef and owner of Swallow restaurant in Huntington village, is teaming up with other Long Island chefs to help eradicate childhood hunger.

“Having the luxury to come out and all of us being able to eat out for dinner, we were thinking it was time to give back,” Tchinnis said.

“What could we do?” he asked.

“The obvious fit for us, dealing with food, was a food charity. To me, the kids, they’re innocent victims in this all. It just breaks my heart thinking of some kids… and not knowing where their next meal is going to come from.”

Tchinnis, along with five other chefs, will host a chef’s table featuring cocktails and dinner on Feb. 27 at Swallow, which is located at 366 New York Ave. Guests will be able enjoy the VIP treatment as each chef will present a course and visit tables to provide an intimate experience.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the No Kid Hungry campaign of nonprofit Share Our Strength, which aims to connect those in need with nutritious food while educating the public about this pressing need.

One in five, or 13 million kids in the U.S. have issues with hunger, according to Share Our Strength. On Long Island, almost 284,000 receive emergency food every year — or 65,000 people each week — with more than one third comprising of kids under 18.

“The issue is not that there is no food in this country. The issue is that these people and kids don’t know where to get their food,” Tchinnis said.

Before dinner, there will be a cocktail hour from 7-8 p.m. featuring three signature cocktails and live music.

Tchinnis said the menu will be kept under wraps until the event, but he did go elaborate on the order of the chef presentations.

First up will be Stephan Bogardus, of North Fork Table & Inn; then Tchinnis himself will follow second; third will be Marc Anthony Bynum, of Hush Bistro; next will be Kent Monkan, of Wild Goose; then Michael Psilakis, of MP Taverna; and the night will be topped off with dessert by Kate Snider, of Cantine.

Tickets for the event are $200. For reservations or information, call 631-547-5388.