Farestart

I've heard about FareStart long time ago but didn't visit until Friday. Went for lunch and learned more about the concept. I love how they are helping homeless people who are aspired to become a chef, by training them and all proceeds goes to the program. The interior is just like another bistro decor, helpful services. The food is amazing! I had the Apple Brandy Ox Tail - risotto, ox tail, cream cheese etc. Yummy! It was $12.99. I thought it was very reasonably priced. Their fries were yummy! Crispy on the outside, and soft in the inside. Their salad is very fresh, whole lettuce, you cut it as you eat. Like their slogan "Where you come from isn't as important as where you are going", this place definitely gives people the hope and skills to make a difference in where people go. It's a great restaurant, you'll never know by looking at the decor, what the core business is for this place. It'll be to you just another bistro restaurant in Seattle. But the core concept makes a good restaurant great! more

Each weekday FareStart serves lunch and every Thursday they host a guest chef who volunteers to spend their time and money during the afternoon and evening preparing and serving a small, three course culinary sample from their own repitoire. This isn't a meal that will knock your socks off, nor will it put a dent in your wallet (a measly $19.95), but it will leave you feeling good about yourself and the organization. Each Thursday there is usually one student graduating. You get a chance to hear about where they started, how they got to FareStart and where they are going once they leave the program. For those of you who don't know, "FareStart provides a community that successfully empowers men, women, and families to create new opportunities through food service training, life skills training, and job replacement." You can get a list of their upcoming guest chefs here http://www.farestart.org/guestchef.asp more

All while supporting a really great program! The lunches are affordable especially for downtown Seattle. The menu changes often with great sandwiches, salads, specials and more. All prepared by students and prepared very well! Guest chef night is the best deal in town! Local chef's donate the food and their services and create a three course menu that the students then help to serve to over 200 people on Thursday nights. All for $19.99!! Beer and wine is available for purchase as well as a selection of non-alcoholc beverages. I highly recommend it! Check out their website for reservations and other details. www.farestart.org more

FareStart is a non-profit that provides on the job training for homeless and disadvantaged men, women and youth in the food service industry. FareStart operates several retail businesses that give students an opportunity to practice skills that they will use in their search for employment and a way to improve their lives. FareStart has an online retail store selling items perfect for the holidays and anytime of year (including holiday cards) http://farestart.marketsync.com/ (the retail store) FareStart Restaurant 1902 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Lunch M-F 11am-2pm Thursday night, Guest Chef Night (5:30pm-7:45pm), local chefs prepare a 3 course meal and serve it up to patrons with the help of volunteers for $19.95 (beer and wine available) Library Cafe Seattle Central Library 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 Espresso Cart located on the 4th floor in the northeast corner of the library. Open most hours the library is open. This business trains youth in espresso beverage production and customer service. 2100 Cafe 2100 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 The 2100 building is host to a variety of non-profits including a cafe that FareStart operates, also for the youth barista program. more