What began as a small charity cooking class held at Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks has become one of the city's must-attend gastronomic galas. Organized by acclaimed food scribe and stylist Nathan Fong, the inaugural Passions event in 2002 was attended by several dozen guests and raised a couple thousand dollars for the Dr. Peter Centre. Under Fong's continued stewardship, Passions has since tripled in size becoming one of Vanhattan's most popular go-to events. Featuring the city's top chefs, last year's palette-pleaser raised more than $110,000 for the 24-hour residence with palliative and respite care services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Fong, a Vancouver-native, hopes to surpass that this weekend at his ninth annual Passions.
How did you develop your interest in food?
It wasn't that hard. I grew up in a food-obsessed family. My grandparents owned grocery stores and restaurants while my father, early in his life, trained as a chef and then owned a large supermarket in West Vancouver. I basically was forced into it as a child, stocking shelves at my dad's store and washing dishes at my grandparent's restaurants. I don't think they had child labour laws back then. Maybe I got a $1 for a day's work but probably ate $10 worth of food on my breaks so they actually lost money on me! Working at the supermarket, it introduced me to the importance of our local, seasonal ingredients. One of the first jobs I had at my father's supermarket was taking phone orders from customers, shopping for their orders, packing and having it delivered.
Best part of your job?
Love anything about food, wine and travel. With my job, I get to explore this locally and internationally. I love learning about new cultures and new foods. Love seeing local chefs and local producers work so diligently creating menus. Love that Vancouver is finally on the international culinary map! Worst?
Guess I have to be discreet about this- I have a tough time with so many young chefs graduating from the various culinary schools thinking that they're all immediately going to be the next star celebrity chef, especially when they haven't experienced really working the long hot hours so many of our local chefs have gone through. Over the years, I've seen attitudes and personalities change all over. I really respect the chefs that are always in their kitchens and really do care, compared to some chefs that are there for the dollar.
What makes Passions so special?
I think it's the intimacy of the group that comes. Maximum 200 guests who I think are serious food and wine people. The chefs love the event and many say it's their favourite event of the year because it's for a worthy cause and the people that attend seriously love food and wine. They ask the chefs questions about their restaurants and about their cuisine. It's also important that the event is held at the Dr. Peter Centre. I want the attendees to see where the money raised is going.
How do you manage to get such acclaimed chefs to participate?
In the beginning, I told some of my favourite chefs about the idea and they jumped on it. Today, most of the original chefs/restaurants are still participating! We're maxed out with two-dozen chefs/restaurants and a food truck this year with a waiting list of about eight other restaurants. Hopefully, I can put them in next year.
What is your most memorable moment?
Shirley Young is Dr. Peter Jepson-Young's mother. She is a remarkable woman and still comes to serve breakfast to the centre's clients. Probably one of my most memorable moments was when she first sent me a thankyou card after attending our first Passions. "How Peter would have loved to have been there tonight. In my heart, I believe he was. I always feel his energy whenever I'm at the centre." Although I did not ever have a chance to meet her son Peter, it's amazing how much this woman has done and has become a mother to many of the clients at the centre.
Biggest success?
Just seeing everyone enjoying themselves and especially all the chefs and their staff that donate their hours especially on their much-deserved day off!
Biggest setback?
I have a great committee that works long and hard trying to get sponsors and donations for our event. I know it's not the same but it really upsets me when I hear large personal checks going to other charities as The Dr. Peter Centre and AIDS still has the stigma of being a gay disease. It affects all- young and old, children, teens, adults, gay, bi or straight. What does success look like?
Raising money so the care facility can continue doing what it does best!
Best life lesson you've learned?
Listen, share and give
One thing you could change about the world?
Understanding more about one another.
One thing you wish Vancouverites would stop whining about?
The rain...keeps the streets clean, keeps the city green and it's good for our skin!
