Too many cooks?

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

There’s no competition here, only the goal of making local families’ Christmas better.

Well, maybe there’s a hint of competition: the Union Street Café’s Jenny Osburn is planning apple, pear and cranberry stuffed pork. Kellocks’ Kevin MacDonald will present pork Wellington. “But we’re doing it together,” Osburn says. “People might think restaurants work in competition, but we don’t at all – we’re always together.”

That goes from emergency phone calls during a busy supper hour for lettuce if one runs out to sharing staff for hectic occasions such as New Year’s Eve.

MacDonald and Osburn are teaming up to “Cook for Kids” December 8 at the Berwick Lions Hall, a full dinner with appetizers, a main course, a glass of wine and dessert, courtesy of Berwick’s Mum’s Bakery.

The evening out takes the place of another long-time Berwick fundraiser, Donna Conrad’s Christmas home tour that has raised funds for over 10 years for local families who may need an extra hand at Christmas. In the past, funds have been shared among local principals, who know where a bit of help would be appreciated. “We’re going to do that again this year – Somerset, St. Mary’s, Berwick and Cambridge principals will be helping us,” Conrad says.

The Cook for Kids event came out of some brainstorming, and MacDonald and Osburn “were willing to do it,” Conrad says. “It’s a win-win for everyone: it’s a local meal, with donations coming in from farmers and the community to fill the menu; there’s the opportunity for two great restaurants to work together, and not many men go on house tours! This way, business can book a table for their employees, families can come together and everyone can have fun together.”

Conrad credits the Berwick Lions for offering their hall, the Gala Days royal party for helping serve and a crew of volunteers helping with everything from ticket sales, decorating and music to gathering prizes for a silent auction. In particular, though, she says the “energy of these two chefs is so positive.”

Osburn agrees. “This is going to be superfun – we’ll make a big grocery list, there’s lots of prep work to be done, but we’ve been looking for a chance to collaborate for the community because we already work together already.”

Tickets, at $35 each, are available at ReMax in Kentville, Union Street Café and Kellocks Restaurant in Berwick and the Berwick Economic Development Office (RCMP building). You may also call Conrad at 679-0700 or David Keddy, Berwick’s economic development officer, at 538-5633.