Celebrity Chef Alex Guarnaschelli Talks Dine Out for Heroes

Celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli is calling upon New York City’s restaurants and diners to join her in honoring our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day through the 3rd Annual Dine Out for Heroes, a benefit for the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The Food Network personality and executive chef of Butter Restaurant was drawn to the fundraiser for injured veterans because of its simplicity.

“Dine Out for Heroes is just such an easy way for restaurants to honor those who’ve served while affording diners the opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules, enjoy a great meal, and reflect on the meaning of the holiday,” said Guarnaschelli.

Restaurants wishing to take part simply pledge to donate $1 per customer served on Veterans Day. In addition to Butter, some of this year’s participating restaurants include Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C., Beauty & Essex, The Lambs Club, BLT Steak & BLT Prime, Jane Restaurant, Nobu, and Tribeca Grill.

Participating restaurants will be highlighted on the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s website, as well as by sponsor OpenTable, making it simple for diners to make reservations. Collateral materials like window clings will be provided to restaurants, a great way to entice customers—including the estimated half-million people who will visit Manhattan to watch the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade.

Read our interview with Chef Guarnaschelli below:

How did you get involved with the event?

As a side gig, I do some stand up comedy.  I had the privilege of performing at “Caroline’s on Broadway” and developed a relationship with Caroline Hirsch. She is deeply involved and passionate about the cause. She recruited me to be a part of this with the Woodruff Foundation … That’s how it started!
What can attendees expect from the event? 
It’s a dine out program that, today, on Veteran’s Day proper, every diner accounted for in participating restaurants will mean a $1 donation of revenue to the cause.  There are a lot of restaurants participating which means those dollars will add up!
With Thanksgiving coming up what is one of your favorite recipes? 
I love my potatoes “Chantilly” (recipe on line and in my cookbook). It is mashed potatoes and always pleases the crowd!
What are you most thankful for?
I am thankful for my family.  I am thankful to be able to help with causes like this one.  To make important voices heard. One of my life passions. I also really am thankful, quite honestly,  that chocolate exists….

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