Three local restaurants step up to feed the hungry

Special to the Green Valley News

Three local restaurants have answered the call from Green Valley Assistance Services to donate their signature soups for the Empty Bowls event March 31 at the Valley Presbyterian Church.

Grill on the Green, Coach's All-American Bar and Grill, and Kristofer's Deli in Amado responded, said GVAS project director Barbara Hunt, who sent out appeals last month asking area restaurateurs to join with local artists and faith-based organizations in kicking off the fund-raiser to help feed the hungry in the community.

“It sounded like a nice way to say thank-you to the community that supports us,” said Richard Green, who owns Coach's and plans to whip up his famous Southwest Spicy Corn with Chicken recipe for the event, scheduled for 11:30 to 1 p.m.

Guests pay a $10 admission to sample the soups and breads, then get to keep the empty bowl donated by local clay artists as a symbol of the “empty bowls” of the hungry in their community. Proceeds are then donated to local food banks and other service groups who help to feed them.

It's all part of an international movement spawned by an idea from a Michigan art teacher in 1990 to have her students make bowls on the pottery wheel to raise money to feed the hungry in her own community.

Hunt, a pottery artist herself, formed a committee to solicit help from other artists, many of whom have already turned in their creations. Faith-based groups are donating cookies, and Hunt has already lined up entertainment and activities for kids.

Coach's customers can choose from a different soup made each day from scratch, all hearty and delicious, Green said, like his cheeseburger soup and broccoli/cheese and old-fashioned chicken noodle.

Charles Dweeby, an executive chef at a four-star restaurant/hotel in San Francisco, has transformed Kristofer's in Amado over the last six years into a premier dining destination. Already accustomed to giving to charities in California and here as well, Chef Charles was proud of the unanimous enthusiasm from his staff of 14 who wanted to do this, especially his “soupmaster,” Chef Jon.

Grill on the Green will also participate. Tucson restaurateur Bob McMahon, who spearheads a number of charity events all over Southern Arizona, owns the Green Valley favorite, part of the Canoa Ranch Golf Course.

There's still time for other local establishments to join in if they wish.

They can call Hunt at 625-5966 or email her at gvaspromgr@qwest.com.