Celebrity Chef Andre Carthen Prepares Three Course Meal in Support of Stroke Recovery Center – Feb. 1, 2014

Site Staff Social Scene

Walter Baumhoff and John Macon II opened their Palm Springs home in Little Tuscany for a gourmet sit down dinner underwritten by John and Amy Jo Gottfurcht and Celebrity Chef Andre Carthen. Longtime supporters of the center, the Gottfurcht’s were winning bidders of a three course dinner for ten during auction at the Stroke Recovery Center’s Annual Winter Wonderland Ball.

The unseasonably balmy weather inspired Carthen, who donated his services, to prepare a “Springtime Valentine” themed meal for the five couples who enjoyed  a lively cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing specialty drinks made with cucumber and ginger flavored vodka from Crater Lake.  After being seated at an elegantly appointed table, guests were served a fresh tomato and mozzarella Caprese salad and a light lemon chicken soup . The main course was Sous Vide Sea Bass with Citrus Beurre Blanc and Sweet Pea Pesto over Tri-color Couscous garnished with Zucchini Carpaccio. Carthen’s served a plate of sumptuous desserts and coffee as the evening drew to a close.

In step with the romantic theme, couples were invited by John Gottfurcht to recount their first meeting, adding warmth and laughter to the dinner conversation. Chef Carthen charmed the table with playful and charismatic stories of his career as chef and lifestyle expert in partnership with Kathy Ireland, CEO of kathy ireland Worldwide, kathyireland.com

Founded in 1978 by Dr. Irving Hirshleifer, the Stroke Recovery Center offers long-term rehabilitation to the survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with support for their families, caregivers, and loved ones. Services are structured to each client’s need and include exercise, nutrition, socialization, and just plain fun. All services are free, since insurance coverage does not exist for the long-term treatment of stroke or TBI. With an annual budget approaching $1 million, the Center relies exclusively on fundraising events, foundations, family donations, and revenues from its on-site thrift shop to fund the more than 10,000 visits it provides to more than 280 clients per year, five days a week.

For information please call 760-323-7676 or visit www.strokerecoverycenter.org

Photography by  Pat Lassy