Proving there is no lack of compassion among the Chicago food community, Takashi Yagihashi will host some of Chicago’s most talented chefs in his namesake restaurant on Monday, April 18, as a superstar culinary lineup comes together to raise funds for those devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  

“I am very thankful to all of you for joining me in this effort to help Japan during this difficult time,” said Yagihashi in a personal plea of help for his native country posted on his restaurant’s website. “The events of March 11 have taken an enormous toll on its people - physically, emotionally and financially. “The resources needed to help survivors, let alone rebuild, are unimaginable.”

In the rare case where too many cooks in the kitchen is a good thing, all-star chefs from across Chicagoland will join forces to prepare a six-course meal where all of the proceeds will benefit the Japanese Red Cross. So many chefs are donating their skills that many will even be acting as servers on what will surely be a one-of-a kind evening. Participating chefs include: Jimmy Bannos, Sr. (Heaven on Seven); Jimmy Bannos, Jr. (The Purple Pig); George Bumbaris & Sarah Stegner (Prairie Grass, Prairie Fire); Sebastion Canone (French Pastry School); John Hogan (Keefer’s); Paul Kahan (Blackbird); Bill Kim (Urban Belly, Belly Shack); Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia); Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate); Paul Virant (Vie); Dean Zanella (Rhapsody); and of course, Takashi himself (Takashi).

Seatings will take place between 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. and at 10:00 p.m. for a $200 per person minimum, with seating between 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at a $250 minimum (price is inclusive of dinner, wine, tax & gratuity). Additional donations will be accepted, and 100 percent of all funds - including those raised at a silent auction held next door - will go directly to disaster relief. Takashi is located at 1952 N. Damen. For more information, visit www.takashichicago.com.