Chef Cooperatives ‘ Chefs Come Together for a Big Fundraiser Event

Chef Cooperatives is Back with a Special Live Fire Event “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire!”

The Chef Cooperatives ‘ chefs are finally coming back together for the first in-person event since the pandemic and couldn’t be more thrilled!

“Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire” will be a live fire event (meaning proteins will be grilled over live fire) on June 4th to benefit FreshWater Farms. The event will be hosted at the farm in Charlotte, Texas, which is about an hour south of San Antonio and will include a farm tour, farm feast in the style of a Beefsteak event but to include several proteins (see menu below), as well as libations.

“I can’t believe it’s been years since we’ve put on a live event, and we’re just chomping at the bit to get cooking for y’all with some incredible barbecued meats and the usual farm-to-table fare we’re known for,” says Chef Stephen Paprocki, President of the Chef Cooperatives. “We are honored that the famous Argentinian live fire pit master, Al Frugoni, will be joining us on this one, so it’s going to be truly epic!”

FreshWater Farms, which will soon be returning to the Pearl Farmers Market, grows nutrient-rich, extremely flavorful microgreens that are readily available for culinary artists throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

“I’m looking forward to working with these amazing chefs who are incredible people with incredible passion! I’m so grateful for their support and help getting the word out about the health and wellness aspect of what we do here at the farm,” says FreshWater Farms‘ founder and owner, Christina Heki.

According to Christina, researchers have found that microgreens are at least 40 percent more nutrient dense than their full-grown counterparts. She started the business after growing microgreens for her own rare brain ailment which has since been healed. Now, she grows microgreens, not only for chefs and foodies, but for customers who use her blends to address a variety of health problems including diabetes, cancer and psoriasis.

Funds raised through the event will be used for the farms’ next phase of growth, which includes working with school systems in order to educate the community on self-sustainability and health.

FreshWater Farms recently set up a storefront in Jourdanton, Texas, located at 1505 Hwy. 97E, Jourdanton, TX 78026.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN:

Sunday, June 4, 2023

1 – 4 PM

WHERE:

FreshWater Farms

7900 FM 1333

Charlotte, TX 78011

PARTICIPATING CHEFS FRIENDS & SPONSORS:

Justin Bluhm of Stxbbq
Robert Cantu, Nomad Chef
Chris Cook of Special Leaf Tea

Al Frugoni of the Al Frugoni Brand
Louis Stephan Halaszyn of Good Meats Catering

Doug Havemann of Mesquite Field Farm

Teddy Liang at Gather Brewing Company & Conversa
Shaunda Hopkins Lohse of Panjaz Panamanian Cuisine

Asantewaa Eriyani Lo-liyong of Secret Food Stories

Kerry Reid Martin with Potluck Beverage Group
Joseph Thadeus Martinez of Tributary
John O’Larnic of Chef’s Backyard
Stephen Paprocki of Texas Black Gold Garlic
Toby Soto of Humo San Antonio
Dave Terrazas of The Art Institutes

Timothy Waters of Fresh Innovations Catering

Cheri White of Deep River Specialty Foods

Manny Villareal of Infamous Brewing Company Austin Texas
Todd Keyser of The Candlelight Pourhouse

Sarah Valero of The Dooryard

Doug Havemann of Mesquite Field Farm

Marc Ashton of Texas Black Gold Garlic

Steve & Sandy Smith of Smith Pastures

Charles “Chuck” Hannah of Horizon Ranch

Donnie Anderson of Brothers Produce San Antonio/Houston

TICKETS ($55):

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chef-cooperatives-live-fire-event-to-benefit-freshwater-farms-tickets-586209908617

MENU (served family-style):

– Open Fire Short Loin and Local Beef Cuts
– Asado-Style Pork Roasts
– Chimichurri Spit-Fired Local Chicken
– Aged Garlic and Herbed Leg of Lamb
(Ingredients provided by Rebel Provisions, Zanzenberg Farms and Mesquite Field Farms)
– FreshWater Farms’ Micro Sprouts
– Local Lettuces, Nuts and Cheeses
– South Texas Seasonal Veggies: squash, bell peppers, tomato confit, radishes and carrots with South Texas Olive Oil and Hill Country Herbs
– Campfire Beans and Pork Belly
– Brandied Blueberry & Peach Bread Pudding

Drinks:

Wine (cabernet, Texas chardonnay)

Infamous Brewing Company Beer – Hijack, Dye-It Pils & Tiramisu

Additional Beers (including prickly pear mead, absinthe mead, OG mead, black garlic mead, black ginger beer)

Special Leaf Tea Teas

MORE ABOUT THE CHEF COOPERATIVES

San Antonio’s Chef Cooperatives is a nonprofit comprised of top San Antonio chefs that have been instrumental in raising funds through their pop-up farm-to-table events that actively support the health and prosperity of South Central Texas farmers, ranchers and vintners, as well as the local communities. The chefs have also been first responders, feeding these same communities during times of disaster.

For more information on the Chef Cooperatives, visit chefcooperatives.com or for more information on FreshWater Farms, visit freshwaterfarmsllc.farm.