Less than ONE MONTH from MANNA’s 3rd Annual Main Course event and we’re back with another plate to post about! This week, we have the honor of highlighting two more incredible chef’s whose culinary delights will be available to sample on Thursday, September 21st from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at Vie by Cescaphe. Read on to learn more about Noelle Wheatley Blizzard of New June Bakery’s dazzling custom cakes and Jacob Trinh’s of Caphe Roasters out-of-this-world beverages & bites!

Interview with Noelle Blizzard, Owner of New June Bakery

Q. What do you believe is the best bite in Philly?

A. The mile high tomato pie at Pizzeria Beddia. On the sweet side, the rugelach at K’far.

Q. What food automatically makes you feel better or puts you in a good mood?

A. The shortrib nachos at Cantina Feliz or Or a pint of Milk Jawn’s tahini fudge swirl.

Q. What drew you to MANNA as an organization to get involved with?

A. I’ve always been drawn to MANNA’s mission (and amazing pies!!); there is nothing more important than to be well fed and cared for and MANNA delivers this in such an amazing way to Philadelphia communities in need.

Q. How long have you been involved with MANNA?

A. I first got involved with MANNA through their seasonal Pie in the Sky Fundraiser, and I later fundraised for MANNA via bake sales when I was first opening my bakery.

Q. What role do you believe that food plays in the community?

A. When I think of “food” I think “happiness”, I think of all of our “perfect bites” and how even I relished and smiled and laughed at answering that question, because food has this ability to make us so very happy, be it enjoying the plate itself or the people or the hospitality that surrounds you while eating it. A well fed community should hopefully be a happier one for it.

Q. Why should people attend the Main Course?

A. One amazing evening and opportunity to support MANNA and their all too important mission while getting the chance to enjoy some of the absolute BEST bites in Philly — It’s a no brainer.

Q. Out of all the other participating chefs, whose food/dishes are you most excited to try?

A. Càphê Roasters (I’m their fried chicken Banh Mi’s biggest fan!) and My Loup’s (my latest meals at Her Place were two of my best meals ever in the City of Philadelphia and I can’t wait to see what My Loup will do next!)

Q. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?

A. Getting to meet more of Philly’s top Chefs and taste their dishes!

Interview with Jacob Trinh, Owner and Executive Chef of Càphê Roasters

Q. Tell us about Càphê Roasters

A. We are the first and only Vietnamese specialty coffee roastery in Philadelphia, operating in the Kensington neighborhood. Proceeds are donated to 12+, a non-profit that helps students discover the best path towards success.

Q. What do you believe is the best bite in Philly?

A. My current best bite in Philly is sushi at Sakana

Q. What food automatically makes you feel better or puts you in a good mood?

A. Sushi is always something that makes me feel better, especially after a long day.   

Q. What drew you to MANNA as an organization to get involved with?

A. The mission that MANNA stands by is something that really caught my eye. I believe that access to affordable and healthy meals is of absolute importance

Q. What (or who) is your favorite part of MANNA?  

A. Talking with those affected by MANNA and seeing how they have helped others achieve nutritional balance 

Q. Has MANNA helped you or your loved ones in any way?  

A. Some of our customers here at Caphe have received MANNA’s meals!

Q. What role do you believe that food plays in the community?

A. I believe that food brings the community together. To foster a relationship built upon nourishing each other and spending time is one of the greatest gifts.

Q. What type of food will you be serving? Anything special for the event?

A. I will be serving Vietnamese Food. This is a special dish that my mom taught me how to make. I am planning to play around with textures and the concept of it, while keeping true to the flavors that make it amazing. The dish is called “Bun Mam” or fermented fish stew

Q. Why should people attend the Main Course?

A. People should attend Main Course to help the cause of nourishing our community. But also, there are so many amazing chefs that will be participating

Q. Out of all the other participating chefs, whose food/dishes are you most excited to try?

A. I am excited to see what Chance of Tabachoy creates. 

You can try creations from Noelle, Jacob and several more of Philly’s best chefs at Main Course 2023 on Thursday, September 21st! For more information and to purchase tickets, head over to mannapa.org/maincourse23. Hurry, tickets won’t last long!