Cakelove’s Warren Brown with Busboys & Poets’ Andy Shallal

DC’s foodie elite joined forces recently to deliver a special holiday treat to youth at the city’s juvenile detention center. Local faves Cakelove, Busboys & Poets, and Ben’s Next Door were just some of the eateries that came together to prepare a full course meal at the Youth Services Center (formerly Oak Hill), which houses boys and girls ages 11-17.

The event was the brainchild of DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) assistant Kathy Ashe, who had been making frequent visits to Busboys for some time. One day she proposed the idea of putting together a holiday dinner for youth at DYRS to owner Andy Shallal. Without hesitation, he agreed and reached out to several area restaurateurs and members of Local First DC including his friend and Cakelove owner, Warren Brown.

Shallal says “Warren Brown is someone who many young African-American boys can aspire to become”. He’s been an inspiration to many in the DMV for a while now, shooting to culinary stardom after quitting his job as a lawyer to begin making homemade cakes. Since opening the first Cakelove in 2002, he’s gone on to be featured everywhere from Oprah to CNN to his short-lived Sugar Rush series on Food Network. He’s also currently featured in an American Express commercial about small businesses.

Nora Pouillon of Restaurant Nora

But the king of buttercream wasn’t the only local food star in attendance. Nora Pouillon, legendary founder of Restaurant Nora, America’s first certified organic restaurant, whipped up a trio of potato dishes. Ben’s Chili Bowl and Ben’s Next Door co-owner, Nizam Ali, worked with his chef Horatio Davis to prepare chicken. Roman Stavropoulos, son of Tryst/The Diner/Open City owner Constantine Stavropoulos, also assisted with chicken.

Chef Rusty Holman of Eatonville, Busboys’ newest sister restaurant, added to the protein line-up with a classic fried chicken. Chef Constantine Stavropoulos and Chef Marco Carranza added their touch to the macaroni and cheese while On the Fly owner, Michel Heitstuman, and Taqueria Distrito Federal’s Luis Marroquin got started on the salad. Representing Local 16, owner Aman Ayoubi and chef Eric McKamey came through with broccoli and carrots with a butter glaze. Meanwhile, Warren Brown and his Cakelove assistants turned 15 pound cakes into 150 slices of strawberry shortcake.

DYRS Chief of Staff, Marc A. Schindler, expressed that he hopes the holiday dinner shows the kids that there are healthy foods that taste good as well. Ben’s Next Door chef, Horatio Davis, added “All these kids see are carry-outs and liquor stores. It’s important that they know there are healthier options out there”. By the end, over 100 youth and staff were served, resulting in a building full of smiles and lots of edible love.

Photos: Danger Dome