Miami’s Area 31 at EPIC Hotel announced today that it would be joining the relief efforts in the wake of the devastation caused by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill with its “We Cook While They Clean” fundraiser.
Beginning Wednesday, June 23, $1 from every Oyster Primi dish on the Area 31 lunch and dinner menu will be donated to the Gulf Relief Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to providing relief to the fishing community of the Gulf Coast and their families. For more information on the Gulf Relief Foundation visit www.gulfaid.org. “We Cook While They Clean” will continue until fishermen are back in their boats. The Oyster Primi is an oyster platter with six chilled Island Creek Oysters from Massachusetts alongside an Area 31 mignonette sauce and lemons. Area 31 has been a leader in the South Florida community with its commitment to sustainable fishing practices and its relationship with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which certifies seafood suppliers from sustainable fishing environments and provides a unified message concerning the conservation of ocean resources through sensible seafood choices.
“We wanted to support those who have been most affected and displaced by this oil spill, especially those fishermen who we rely on everyday in our restaurants,” said Executive Chef John Critchley of Area 31. “We are coming together and making an honest commitment to these fisherman.”
Area 31 is part of San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of 50 boutique hotels and 54 chef-driven restaurants in 22 major metropolitan cities. Kimpton broke the mold on cookie-cutter lodging in 1981 when founder Bill Kimpton pioneered the idea of hospitality with personality.
Kimpton restaurants in the southeast region of the United States are also participating: Central 214 (5680 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206) and Pacci Ristorante (866 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30308). Acclaimed chefs Blythe Beck (Central 214) and Keira Moritz (Pacci Ristorante) will be donating $1 from their respective signature menu items to the Gulf Relief Foundation. Items on each of the menus will be designated with the Gulf Relief Foundation emblem.
For more information, please call Area 31 at 305.424.5234 or visit www.area31restaurant.com. Area 31 is located on the 16th Floor of EPIC Hotel at 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way., Miami, Florida 33131.