Story and photos by Stephanie Chacharon
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Wine enthusiasts and FareStart supporters filled Salty’s on Alki last night for the 10th annual “Sexy Syrah” benefit. The lineup of more than 40 Northwest wineries included West Seattle-operated McCrea Cellars, represented by Bob Neel, operations manager and chief engineer (top photo).

The sold-out event, produced by sommeliers David LeClaire of Seattle Uncorked and Tim O’Brien of Salty’s, is a popular benefit for FareStart, a local organization devoted to training and placing homeless and disadvantaged people in the culinary field (among them, the late Swinery co-owner Joseph Brewer):

FareStart Director of Development Dan Johnson, asked by WSB about the tragic death of 35-year-old FareStart graduate Brewer, offered: “He was a special part of our FareStart community … he was all about giving back and inspiring others. This is a devastating loss, and we just wish his family peace.”

Regarding the event, Johnson credited Salty’s for their ongoing generosity. “They do everything to support us — they’re incredible,” Johnson said. From their support of “Sexy Syrah,” to Chef Jeremy’s yearly commitment, to Thursday Guest Chef Night, to their hiring of program graduates, Johnson called Salty’s the “epitome of an awesome hospitality partner.”

As for Seattle Uncorked’s LeClaire (photo above, with Melinda Wells), he and Johnson go way back — to the former South Lake Union Cucina Cucina, when LeClaire was a server and Johnson a busboy.

The inspiring, real-life stories of FareStart participants are part of what makes the program a hometown favorite. Values like perseverance, hope, opportunity, and new beginnings permeate the culture of the organization. FareStart was recently named the recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the prestigious James Beard Foundation.

To learn more about FareStart — and/or to belly up to the table for Guest Chef Night — visit www.farestart.org.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first WSB report by West Seattle writer Stephanie Chacharon. Welcome, Stephanie!