Chris Treadway: Event showcases local cuisine, assists with local needs

Contra Costa Times
Posted: 08/05/2011 06:05:02 PM PDT
Updated: 08/05/2011 09:49:18 PM PDT

An event that uses an eye-catching Richmond shoreline setting to offer some of the best in local cuisine is also a key fundraiser for local charities helping those most in need.
Tickets are still available for "A Taste of Richmond," a gala hosted by the Richmond Yacht Club from 6 to 8:30 Aug. 12 at the Brigantine Building at 1120 Brickyard Cove Road in Point Richmond.
"It's a great view, great restaurants, great food and wine," said club member Kathleen Dolan.
Last year, the "party with a conscience" and the Richmond Riviera Regatta that weekend brought in $25,000, which was divided among the Bay Area Rescue Mission, the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry, Rubicon Programs and YES (Youth Enrichment Strategies).
The same four charities will be the recipients of this year's dining event and regatta. "We think we're going to do way better than last year" in raising funds, Dolan said. The yacht club has held similar benefits for years, but last year was the first time proceeds went to local needs.
"People are just hurting everywhere and it's really nice to be able to do something to help them," Dolan said.
Participating eateries include the Boilerhouse, Up & Under Pub and Grill, El Sol, Salute, Catahoula Coffee, Galaxy Desserts, Little Louie's, All's Fare, Sa Wad Dee, Hidden City Cafe and La Strada.
Live jazz will be provided by Freddie and the Freeloaders and a highlight of the silent and live auctions will be lunch with former assemblyman and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, which last year brought in $1,500 alone after some spirited bidding.
Tickets and details are available online at richriv.com.
More Events”
·  The World War II Home Front Film Festival continues with a showing of the 1944 drama "Uncertain Glory," starring Errol Flynn, at 7 p.m. Thursday in the hold of the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd. in the Port of Richmond. There is a $5 donation to board the ship. Details: 510-232-5050.
·  The next Richmond Swap Crop for trading excess garden produce is at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Community Room Courtyard of Civic Center Plaza.
·  BART will have representatives in West County next week to kick off its campaign to move riders from paper tickets to the Clipper Card. The "Customer Service Crew" will be giving out adult and senior Clipper Cards (which can be loaded and reloaded with fare amounts at BART ticket machines) at the Richmond station from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The crew will be at the El Cerrito Del Norte Station on Aug. 16 and the El Cerrito Plaza station Aug. 17.
Contact Chris Treadway at 510-262-2784 or ctreadway@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/christreadway. Stay up-to-date on West Contra Costa news at IBABuzz.com/westcounty.