Executive chef Paolo Vasapolli and sous chef Drew Verdam of UWindsor Food Services are joining culinary colleagues Friday for a tribute to long-time local restaurateur Thom Racovitis.
Participating in a tribute to the long-time owner of the Tunnel Bar-B-Q, a local landmark that closed in September after 73 years in business, seemed like a “fun thing to do,” say two chefs with UWindsor’s Food Services.
The “Toast to Thom” gala honouring Thom Racovitis is set for Friday, October 10, at the St. Clair College for the Arts. It will feature a four-course gourmet meal prepared by a number of local chefs, including Paolo Vasapolli and Drew Verdam.
“We thought it would be good to team up with St. Clair College as part of this joint effort,” says Vasapolli. “We’ll be assisting with the production, helping to guide their culinary students.”
Verdam adds: “And working with some of Windsor’s top chefs emeritus!”
The two are also recruiting volunteers who wish to participate as everything from servers to general food prep to dishwashers. Already cook Peter Polak has signed on.
“No food service experience is necessary,” Vasapolli says. “We just need help with clean-up and keeping things running smoothly.”
The commitment would involve leaving campus at about 2 p.m. Friday. He invites anyone interested to contact him at 519-253-3000, ext. 3275.