by Laurie Zerga


DID YOU KNOW that when you patronize Alameda restaurants and food shops you are indirectly supporting the nonprofit community? A recent check of Alameda foodies uncovered just how generously the city's
food industry supports local non-profit organizations.
Every year, in addition to providing an opportunity for members to network, taste food and have fun, the San Francisco Professional Food Society, one of the country's oldest organizations for food-industry professionals, raises funds to support various organizations in the Bay Area. This year's barbecue fundraiser, held in August at the USS Hornet Museum, raised money for the Alameda Boys and Girls Club's culinary program, where I teach.
Several Alameda restaurants, bakeries, caterers, wineries, markets and other businesses participated in the barbecue-themed event to help support the club. Restaurants including C'era Una Volta (1332 Park St., 510-769-4828), Otaez (1619 Webster St., 510-870-2607) and Tomatina (1338 Park St., 510-521-1000) provided a taste from their menus.
Several Alameda Marketplace (1650 Park St., 510-865-1500) vendors pitched in goods like fruit and vegetables, sausage, seafood, bakery goods and deli tastes. Du Vin Fine Wines (2526 Santa Clara Ave., 510-769-9463) and Hangar One Vodka (2601 Monarch St., 510-769-1601) were among the merchants that provided wine, spirits and goodwill.