FOODIE DREAMS

I OPENED MY email today to find a really exciting tidbit regarding a really cool "incubator kitchen" in San Francisco. The organization, called La Cocina, is a non-profit that exists to help foodie entrepreneurs with no real capital get their products on store shelves.
I have visited the kitchen a few times and tasted my way through their "client list": pillowy light alfajores, pulled port tacos, vegetarian empanadas, herby jams. Amazing stuff. What's extra-fun is seeing these little companies turn up at the massive NASFT Fancy Food Show -- a true mark of success.
But I digress. The news that makes me smile is that Whole Foods is supporting La Cocina's second annual street food fair, and partnering with them for a special benefit dinner. I have no doubt that those who take te time to go to these will be happy that they did. Here are the details:
SHOP: Support La Cocina by shopping at Whole Foods Market on August 11: Five percent of the day's net sales at alll four Whole Foods Market San Francisco stores (Franklin, Noe, Potrero and SOMA) will be donated to La Cocina. The monies will help La Cocina produce it's Second Annual Street Food Festival on August 21.
EAT: Reserve tickets for Whole Foods Market “Around the World Bistro Dinner” Benefit for La Cocina, 7-9 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Whole Foods Market Potrero Hill, San Francisco. La Cocina's director and a forager from Whole Foods will talk about street food and such while guests enjoy a meal made by three  La Cocina "graduates": a Nigerian starter from Purple Hibiscus, a Mexican dish from El Buen Comer and a Southeast Asian dessert from Azalina's Malaysian. Wine pairings will be provided by Whole Foods. Proceeds will support La Cocina's San Francisco Street Food Festival. Registration for the dinner is online at: www.eventbrite.com/event/772257844