Upcoming YPG NYC Fundraiser to Benefit LEAF 3/29

I wanted to go ahead and help spread the word about an upcoming fundraiser in New York City, on March 29, 2012 from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  The Nature Conservancy’s Young Professionals Group is hosting an exciting charity event: Cocktails Under the Canopy: A Benefit for LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program). The mission of LEAF is to “provide paid summer internships on nature preserves around the country for urban high school students and help educators from environmental high schools share best practices and scientific resources.”

At the event you can kick back in an “urban, candlelit oasis” to partake in the fun, for a good cause, at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (at 172 Norfolk Street, New York, NY). Live entertainment will be provided by DJ Spooky and Jonathan Batiste, plus there will be cocktails and a silent auction. Event goers will enjoy sustainable spring inspired dishes (which will debut in a few of the chefs restaurants) created by four celebrity chefs:

Jonathan Waxman – Barbuto chef; author of A Great American Cook

Joey Campanaro – chef and owner of the Little Owl and Market Table; winner of the 2011 Bon Appetit “Master Chef Classic”

Jimmy Bradley – chef and owner of The Red Cat & The Harrison; author of The Red Cat Cookbook

Jason Giagrande – Director of Food Service Operations and Events for NBC Universal; event designer

Tickets are $190.00 each, available at www.nature.org/leafbenefit. Additional information can also be found at the Nature.org website. There will be small plates, passed apps, and dessert served. Check out what the chefs have in store for the event menu below:

Jimmy Bradley –

Vitello Tonnato- Veal and Tuna Salad with Caper Mayonnaise

Jonathan Waxman –

Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables

Joey Campanaro –

Roasted bbq Long island duck carved and served with Long island potato and pea shoot salad

Jason Giagrande –

Risotto Balls – Arborio Rice, New York State Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Local Organic Leeks, Organic Celery, Tri Color Peppers, Vermont Sharp Aged Cheddar

Bourbon Cream – Coach Farms Goat Cheese, Spring Asparagus, Beef Tenderloin Crostini- New York State Coach Farms Goat Cheese, Organic Roma Tomato, Spring Asparagus, Shaved Tenderloin of Beef

Local Spring Vegetable Chili Tortilla – Guacamole Sour Cream, Local Organic Micro Cilantro

Dessert  –

Gourmet Cupcakes