Crab Cake. Photo by Zoë Sharpe
Hollywood Under The Stars returns to the Paramount lot to benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Saturday, June 24th. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is the largest privately funded senior nutrition program in the country, delivering over 100,000 meals to at risk seniors in their homes. With a staff that includes a registered dietician and a chef, meals are tailored to each client’s specific dietary needs. For some seniors, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels also offers them a valuable social connection.
Doug Savant and Susan Hirasuna at the Hollywood Under The Stars Gala Preview. Photo by Zoë Sharpe
In a post-pandemic world with rising fuel and food costs, the valuable services that St. Vincent Meals on Wheels provides are more important than ever. It is only though private donations and fundraising that they are able to continue to help at risks seniors and the annual Hollywood Under The Stars Gala provides the perfect opportunity to support this amazing cause while sampling treats from local eateries.
This years gala will pay tribute to Martin Sheen for his support of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels along with other philanthropic organizations and for “standing in solidarity with those who have been forgotten and discounted”. Sheen will receive the “Vincent’s Heart Award” presented by the Daughters of Charity, whose order founded St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.
At a recent preview event, the LA Beat was invited to tour the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels kitchen and learn more about the valuable work they do, while sampling some of the food that will be featured at Hollywood Under The Stars. Hosted by Actor Doug Savant and Fox News Anchor Susan Hirasuna, who will also serve as the Gala cohosts, we were taken through a few of the dishes that will be featured at the event, presented by the Chefs themselves.
Starting with returning Chef/Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado of Georgia’s Restaurant, who showcased their Gumbo made with Georgia’s roux broth and featuring Andouille Sausage, Chicken and Shrimp and served over rice. This was followed by “A Duo of Land and Sea” from Chef Richard Archuleta of Alexander’s Steakhouse that included a Wagyu Aburi Nigiri featuring A5 Kagoshima (a type of Wagyu beef with the highest rating and marbling), Jonah Crab, sticky rice and wasabi, paired with a Hamachi shot featuring yellowtail, dashi, avocado, Fresno, radish and Bubu Arare, a cracker made from glutinous rice.
Also present at the preview, Chef Isaias Peña, Caruso Regional Executive Chef of Hank’s and Qué Padre In Palisades Village, who will be the first ever Host Angel and serve as Culinary Ambassador for the event. Chef Peña presented a Maryland Crab Cake that is featured on the Hank’s brunch menu. For sweets, we were treated to a Carrot Cake Cupcake from John Hensley of Lark Cake Shop, which featured a cream cheese frosting. This was followed by a tasting from Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, who brought a sampling of their hand broken, premium chocolates sourced directly from Switzerland, including milk chocolate with hazelnuts, dark chocolate with almonds, and my favorite, white chocolate with strawberries.
Additional Chefs who will be bringing their signature dishes to this year’s Gala include Chef Gino Angelini of Angelini Osteria, Chef Robert Fry of Evil Twin and Chef Raphael Francois of the Academy Museums’ Fanny and West Hollywood’s Tesse. Featured desserts will include Macarons from Etoile Filante Patisserie and offerings from pastry Chef Elfie Astier of Hotcakes Bakes.
In addition to Cohosts Doug Savant and Susan Hirasuna, this year’s Hollywood Under The Stars will also feature longtime supporter Rick Llanos serving as an honorary host.
Hollywood Under The Stars benefiting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is Saturday, June 24th at 6:30, with a VIP reception starting at 5:30 on the Paramount lot. Tickets start at $250. Receive a 10% discount by using the code HUTS23.
Details, tickets and more information can be found at the event website.
Chefs, hosts and Staff at the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels kitchen. Photo by Zoë Sharpe
