We are happy to announce that the Second Annual Taste of St. Joseph Center will take place on Thursday, February 27th at the beautiful Playa Studios, in Culver City. With over 30 participating restaurants and beverage sponsors, this unique evening of culinary experiences will help raise money for St. Joseph Center’s nonprofit food programs. So, put on some stretchy pants and please join us in eating, drinking and helping less fortunate individuals get back on their feet.

Described by LA Weekly as a “feast for the eyes and the soul” the festival supports St. Joseph Center’s Culinary Training Program (CTP), which teaches low-income and previously homeless individuals the skills needed to enter the dynamic world of food service. Founded in 1991, CTP helps students that are often excluded from or do not have the means to attend traditional culinary schools. And, the success of the program can be seen in the numbers – 85% of graduates have obtained jobs after graduation.

This year, the festival will honor “Chef of the Year” and Culinary Training Program Graduate Chef Caroline Concha. Recognized for her work at Beelman’s, where she transformed a meat-heavy menu into a plant-based one, Chef Concha is also being honored for her commitment to helping others.

Born in the Philippines, Chef Concha acquired her love of cooking by watching her grandmother cook, before immigrating to the United States at the age of nineteen. After completing St. Joseph Center’s Culinary Training Program, she worked at several top LA restaurants before landing her current role as Executive Chef at Mohawk Bend, where she today trains graduates of St Joseph’s Culinary Training Program.

About St. Joseph Center

St. Joseph Center is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c)(3), community-based organization. St Joseph Center’s mission is to provide working poor families, as well as homeless men, women and children of all ages, with the inner resources and tools to become productive, stable and self-supporting members of the community. The Center does not provide religious services or instruction, and assists people regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. St. Joseph Center reaches more than 10,000 individuals annually through a variety of outreach, housing, mental health, and job training programs.

Event Website: tasteofsjc.eventbrite.com

Contact Us: All media interested in covering or attending the event should contact Karalee Ensign to confirm attendance and for interviews at: [email protected] or 310-396-6468 x328.

For more information on St. Joseph Center please visit stjosephctr.org.