Cape Cod Young Professionals (CCYP) and the American Culinary Federation of Cape Cod and the Islands (ACF) have partnered to put on a “Kitchen Connect” networking event on Monday, May 2, at The Commons at Riverway, 1338 Route 28, South Yarmouth.
The goal is to bring together the members of two organizations working to promote professionals and professionalism in the region’s economy.
This networking, culinary and community-building event will feature “dine around” food stations from local chefs, restaurants, and culinary students, as well as a raw bar provided by sponsor North Coast Seafoods, giving Cape Cod chefs the opportunity to showcase their skills as the region heads into the summer season.
The culinary industry is one of the region’s largest employment sectors.
“The culinary industry on the Cape and Islands features some of the best and most innovative chefs in the state, and our members’ businesses employ thousands of Cape Codders and have purchasing power into the hundreds of millions,” notes Michael Pillarella, ACF Cape Cod and Islands Chapter President, Executive Chef at the Wianno Club, and CCYP Board Member. “Partnerships like this ensure that culinary professionals are included in the discussion and have a seat at the table when discussing the issues and challenges facing our region.”
CCYP’s signature “Connect” events have been a place for professionals from across the Cape to gather and network for over a decade. CCYP is expanding this “Connect” concept to create additional engaging special events, such as the upcoming “Kitchen Connect,” that showcase the skills and talents of professionals from all sectors and spotlight the Cape Codders who are leading and innovating in the region.
“In partnership with businesses and nonprofits Cape-wide, we are exploring creative ways to strengthen community connections and to share the stories of the talented and innovative people from all sectors who enrich our region and who are leading the way to a vibrant future,” said Kristen Vose Clothier, CCYP CEO.
Th host for the event, the Family Table Collaborative, is an organization dedicated to battling food and nutritional security issues on the Cape. The organization has recently moved into the former Riverway Lobster House space on Route 28 in Yarmouth and is in the process of transforming the space into a true community kitchen to support the organization’s mission, along with creating a maker-space for culinary creators from across the region.
“I am looking forward to welcoming CCYP and our founding partners at the ACF into our new space,” said Jeni Wheeler, co-founder and Director of Operations at the Family Table Collaborative – and recipient of one of CCYP’s 2021 Emerging Community Leader awards. “Collaborate is in our name and nature, and we’re looking forward to seeing the new connections that come out of this event!”
Tickets are $25 for CCYP or ACF members and $50 for members of the general public. Space is limited and registration is required at http://members.
