Hong Kong, 30 March 2012 – Mandarin Oriental, New York is delighted to announce the launch of its Edible Schoolyard Picnics with celebrated chef, author and “Edible Schoolyard” founder Alice Waters.
Beginning this spring through October 2012, hotel guests can choose between two picnics created exclusively for Mandarin Oriental, New York. A portion of the proceeds from every picnic sold will be donated to support Edible Schoolyard NYC, an affiliate program of the original Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, California. Edible Schoolyard was founded by Chef Waters more than 16 years ago pioneering the notion that the best place to teach children about the connection between food, health and the environment is in schools. Edible Schoolyard NYC is the first north-eastern affiliate of the program and is committed to bringing Alice Waters’ vision to New York City’s public school system – the largest in the nation.
Chef Waters’ Edible Schoolyard Gourmet Picnic for Mandarin Oriental, New York includes delicacies such as Four Story Hill Grilled Quail with Thyme; Farro Salad; Salumi; Pizza Biaca and Fresh Summer Fruit served with Candied Citrus Peel and Bittersweet Chocolate. The Mandarin Oriental Classic Picnic, created by the hotel’s Executive Chef Toni Robertson, features Asian-influenced dishes including Bah Mi Rolls with Roasted Pork, Coriander-Carrot Kimchee with Green Garlic Chilli Aioli; Chicken Satay in Spicy Peanut Sauce; Soba Noodles with Ginger Sesame Dressing; and Green Tea Mascarpone Cake with Fresh Berries. Both menus are delivered in a traditional picnic basket containing eco-friendly tableware and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Edible Schoolyard Picnics serve two people and are available for USD 225 exclusively to guests of Mandarin Oriental, New York via the hotel’s In Room Dining Menu or through the A La Carte services webpage, accessible to guests who’ve booked online. Mandarin Oriental, New York’s Edible Schoolyard Picnics can be enjoyed wherever guests wish, but with Manhattan’s iconic Central Park just steps away from the hotel, it is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious picnic that supports an excellent cause.
About Edible Schoolyard NYC
Edible Schoolyard NYC is a nonprofit that works to incorporate health, wellness and sustainability into New York City’s public school curriculum through lessons taught in the garden and kitchen classroom. Our goal is to provide an edible education to all of New York City’s 1.1 million public school students in an effort to combat childhood obesity. Edible Schoolyard NYC plans to have five Showcase Schools, one in each of the city’s five boroughs. At every Showcase School, Edible Schoolyard NYC will build an organic, four-season garden and kitchen classroom where dedicated staff will teach our interdisciplinary curriculum, provide family and community programming and training for teachers and principals throughout New York City. For more information, visit www.esynyc.org.