Viewers of the recent Cooking for Hope segment benefiting House of Hope worked virtually with local celebrity Chef Louie Bossi to create a homemade Italian feast.
Veteran TV news anchor Neki Mohan served as moderator and sous chef, assisting Bossi as he prepared tomato sauce, meatballs, dough for the Tortelloni, his favorite pasta.
“Louie and Neki were so engaging, and everyone enjoyed Louie’s tips on preparing the perfect homemade Italian meal,” said House of Hope CEO Sue Glasscock. “We thank them, our sponsors and our viewers for their support of our mission to help the men and women in our community with our substance abuse and mental health programming.”
Bossi spent more than 20 years in recovery himself. Raised by a single mother juggling three jobs, Bossi taught himself to cook at the age of eight. While working his way up from dishwasher to cook at the local pizzeria, he developed a love for the art of pizza making. After relocating to Florida in 2000, Bossi landed his first job with Big Time Restaurant Group as a grill cook. While exploring different positions within their popular portfolio of restaurants, he proved to be one of the hardest working and most inspired chefs in the company, earning the coveted title of executive chef at Big City Tavern.
Now a partner in his expanding collection of concepts, Bossi also has an additional location in Boca Raton, and in collaboration with Executive Chef Lisabet Summa, has opened a sister Italian concept, Elisabetta’s, with locations in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach.
“I love to cook and was thrilled to share my passion to support House of Hope,” said Bossi, who with his wife issued a fundraising challenge during the cooking session which netted House of Hope more than $1,000. “My one piece of advice is that when it comes to cooking, you have to use the best ingredients.”
The lucky winners of the online raffle received An Evening in Las Olas package that included a one night stay at the Riverside Hotel, dinner at Louie Bossi’s and a Water Taxi ride four; a Loaded Handyman Gift Basket with gas cards, gift cards, tools and other swag; and a $100 Publix gift card.
Viewers cooked along with Bossi virtually from their own kitchens. They all received a swag bag and bottle of Chianti. Sponsors of the event were Marsh & McLennan Agency and Lindsay Glasscock, real estate consultant with Compass. In addition to Bossi and his wife, also supporting the event were ARC Culinary and Atlantic Wine & Spirits.
To learn more about House of Hope and for updates on future Cooking for Hope sessions, visit houseofhope.org.