Flavors of Fall: November 9

For the sixth year in a row, BostonChefs.com is bringing together the top chefs from Cambridge and Somerville for Flavors of Fall, the area’s longest running fall tasting extravaganza. This year’s beneficiary is Second Chances, a local nonprofit that collects and distributes clothing free-of-charge to homeless and lower income people who are clients of Cambridge and Somerville shelters, service providers, and anti-poverty agencies.

On November 9, from 5:30pm-8:30pm, eleven dining destinations will be represented at Regattabar in The Charles Hotel, serving savory and sweet selections from their autumn menus. The Blue Room, Chez Henri, dante, Garden at the Cellar, Gargoyles, Harvest, Henrietta’s Table, Hungry Mother, Rialto, Sandrine’s, and UpStairs on the Square are all participating, with brews and beverages compliments of Jacob’s Creek Winery, Brooklyn Brewery, Noir, J.P. Licks, and San Pellegrino.

The $65 per person ticket price—which goes entirely to support the good work of Second Chances—covers food, drink, entertainment, and the opportunity to participate in a Silent Auction that features something for just about everyone. A vintage Judith Leiber evening bag, a Vigilant wine storage system, a golf outing at Dedham Country and Polo Club, and a membership to Cambridge Athletic Club are just a few of the items that have been donated in support of this great cause, and more will be announced as the big day approaches.

Ronit Barkai, Director of Housing Programs at Transition House, a Cambridge-based program for domestic violence survivors that is one of Second Chances’ long-standing community partners, describes the need in poignant terms: “Our clients often flee their homes without any clothing except what they are wearing, and some have never experienced a New England winter and need warm things to wear. Second Chances is flexible in meeting the needs and preferences of the women we serve, and each delivery shows the great care that is put into choosing clothing for our clients. This helps lift the women’s spirits, bringing optimism and hope as they begin rebuilding their lives.”

“Low-income and homeless people always have trouble getting by, and this year we are seeing demand for our services that exceeds our current ability to serve people,” reports Andrea Shapiro, Founder and CEO of Second Chances. “The generous sponsors and participants in the Flavors of Fall event will enable us to provide free clothing, shoes and accessories to even more people in need in Cambridge and Somerville in the year ahead. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with local businesses and community members who support our work and the people we serve.”

Since the first Flavors event in 2004, BostonChefs.com, together with co-sponsors City Square Associates and The Charles Hotel, have raised nearly $50,000 for a wide range of Cambridge-based community organizations. Past beneficiaries have included CitySprouts, CycleKids, CLSACC, On the Rise, and Project Playgroup.