Eighth Annual Dessert First!
W San Francisco
June 8, 2008

Project Open Hand's Eighth Annual Dessert First, held at W San Francisco, on June 8, 2008, hosted over 425 guests and raised over $31,000 for Project Open Hand's meal and nutrition services. Patti Dellamonica-Bauler, pastry chef at One Market Restaurant, was once again the event chair of the event. Why Wait? Dessert First! commenced with a VIP reception featuring an exciting Mixology Competition won by Nate Baldwin of One Market Restaurant. The main event featured decadent dessert creations from some of the leading pastry chefs in the Bay Area, including Jessica Sullivan - Boulevard, Elizabeth Falkner - Citizen Cake, Ellie Nelson - Jardinière, Yasmin Hernandez - Lark Creek Walnut Creek, Elizabeth Falkner and Luis Villavelazquez - Orson, Mimi Young -- Palio D'Asti, Chona Piumarta - The Pastry Cupboard, Sarah Ballard - Perbacco Ristorante, Tim Nugent - Scala's Bistro, Andrea Mautner and Carrie Collins - Two, and Ryan Wells - XYZ Restaurant. In addition to the incredible desserts, guests were also treated to hors d'oeuvres made by Project Open Hand Chef Michael Baroman-Coggins; cheeses by Rumiano, Marin French and Fiscalini Farmstead; Schoggi Swiss Imported Chocolates, Clos Du Val and Big Tattoo wines, Peet's Coffee and Tea; ESSN Sparkling Fruit Juices, Dry Soda, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur martinis with Square One Organic Vodka and W. & J. Graham's Ports. The event also featured live and silent auctions. Project Open Hand would like to thank all the chefs, sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make Dessert First a success. Special thank you goes to Scott Saraceno who created the multi-media presentations for the event and our incredible emcee Tom Durein. To see more pictures from this year's event, please check our past events scrapbook in the events section please click here Here are some images from the event.

Here are some images from the event. Click on any image for a larger version.

VIP Reception attendees were wowed by the mixology competition’s secret ingredients.	Mixologist, Jacqueline Patterson of Orson, talked to attendees as they watch her prepare her special cocktail for the competition.
Duane Walker of Rumiano Cheese Company and his staff gave out samples of their tasty cheese.	The Hale Baskin Jazz Ensemble had everyone on their feet swinging to their music.
Chef Tim Nugent of Scala's Bistro signing a Kitchen Aid Mixer for the Silent Auction.	Mixologists Nate Baldwin, One Market Restaurant, Mario Di Grande, Palio D' Asti, and Jacqueline Patterson, Orson, waited to hear Emcee, Tom Durein announce the winner of the VIP Mixology Competition. This year's Dessert First! Top Mixologist is Nate Baldwin of One Market Restaurant.
Mautner and Carrie Collins had a laughing good time at Why Wait? Dessert First!	Jan Wahl, Kron 4 Film Critic and Dessert First! Celebrity Plate Auction participant, Jared Scherer, Director of Special Events, and Tom Nolan, Executive Director, pause for a quick picture.
Guests enjoyed bidding on the amazing silent auction items.	Jessica Sullivan (left) of Boulevard prepared her delicious desserts.