This post is all about dispelling a myth. I’m sure that most of you who think about a service organization like Cincinnati Cooks! think to yourselves, “Yeah, they do a great community service. But the quality of food probably isn’t that great. Fine for the children of Kids Cafe, but not something I’d have catered in.”

Allow me to attack that short-sightedness.

First, as part of the tour that the wonderful folks of United Way of Greater Cincinnati and FreeStore Foodbank arranged for several bloggers, the Cincinnati Cooks! folks were kind enough to include a sit-down lunch as part of the deal. (You can’t comprehend the hearts these people have) They served us stuffed chicken breast–the stuffing being rice, spinach and mozzerella cheese–steamed vegetables, mac and cheese and an apple crumble cake for desert.

I can’t begin to adequately describe to you the delicious looking presentation of the meal. Unfortunately, I was too busy devouring it to take pics of it. As delicious as it looked, the meal tasted even better. Until they invent smell-o-vision or taste-o-blogs, you’ll just have to take my word as a foodie on this. The chicken was moist and the stuffing was perfectly combined in the right proportion (a testament to the roll technique taught by the Master Chefs who donate their time and talents). The steamed vegetables were not mushy in the least (a classic oversteaming issue), but had just the perfect crispness. I love that! I can’t stand mushy veggies. Finally, the apple crumble cake had wonderfully sweet chunks of actual apple in its moist and delicious cake. They were like little surprises of heaven!

So if you come up to me in person and suggest that something like Cincinnati Cooks! doesn’t have quality food, my stomach will literally come out of my body Alien-style and beat you senseless for such buffoonery.

And secondly, allow me to direct you to Cincinnati Cooks! catering service. Oh that’s right, they have their own catering service, in addition to providing food for Kids Cafe everyday. And we’re not talking about little pigs-in-a-blanket appetizer either. They will cater breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or whatever you’ve got.

Here’s just a sampling of some of what they offer: Bahamian Albacore Tuna Salad; Carmel Apple & Goat Cheese; Ghiradelli Chocolate Brownies; Fountain Square Hot Breakfast Buffet; Agean Greek Salad; Asiago & Tenderloin of Beef Sandwich; Filet Mignon on Crostini w/Herbed Cheese appetizers.

Hungry yet?

So the next time you think a service organization that deals with food services can’t produce quality dishes, you’d better stop and check yourself. Cincinnati Cooks! can and does. In fact, you should go one better. You should order from Cincinnati Cooks! for your next event. It’s a total win-win situation. The food and service will be top-notch. You’re event guests/participants will be impressed, no doubt. And you’ll be giving back to your community by sponsoring a wonderful organization through your order.

Thanks again to all the wonderful people at Cincinnati Cooks!, The FreeStore Foodbank and United Way of Greater Cincinnati for helping set up the tour, and for an unbelievable couple of hours.

Remember: There are literally thousands of ways to help your community through the United Way. If you haven’t done your part yet, click on the “Live United” button in the right column of my blog or simply click here. I’m sure you will find a way to actively participate. Though the fundraising campaign might end on October 30th, the need and your volunteerism doesn’t.

Check in, pay attention, volunteer, donate and Live United.