Photo Credit: Patrick Chung
His face is best known as a two-time Super Bowl Champion and New England Patriots Strong Safety, but on Friday night, Patrick Chung will be the acting general manager at his self-proclaimed favorite restaurant, Ocean Prime Boston.
Chung will serve as host of the four-course Chung Charity Prix-Fixe (serving up everything from Sonoma goat cheese ravioli and butter poached lobster bisque to New York strip and Chilean sea bass) with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Asperger/Autism Network.
Not only will he be checking on tables to ensure guests are enjoying an excellent dinner, but the Pats player will also be delivering drinks and dinner, taking selfies with fans and signing footballs. Whether you are a Patriots fan or simply love to dine out, this haute experience (available for just 20 seats) in the Seaport District will surely sell out so be sure to get your tickets in advance.
We caught up recently with Chung to discuss this haute event, working with the Asperger/Autism Network and what his favorite dish is at Ocean Prime.
Tell us about how the opportunity to be Gribeyeeneral Manager for a night at Ocean Prime came about.
I’m a big fan of Ocean Prime and have been dining there frequently — their Ribeye is unreal, which I highly recommend. One night when I was there, the General Manager, Nick Foley and I got to talking about ways we could work together. We’re both athletes and passionate about the local community so partnering with a brand like Ocean Prime just made sense.
We decided it would be fun if I took over Nick’s position as a GM for the night in support of one of the charities we’re both passionate about. I’m looking forward to stepping into his shoes and greeting guests, spending time with some fans, and working with the associates in the kitchen and for the evening.
When did you first become involved with the Asperger/Autism Network?
This is the first time I will be working with AANE. I have always had compassion for children who have Autism and I wanted to work with a charity in the local Massachusetts community that focused on Autism research and support. AANE is based in Watertown and they’re doing some incredible work for those on the Asperger/Autism spectrum.
Photo Credit: Ocean Prime
We hear you are an amazing home chef yourself. Had you ever worked in a restaurant before?
When I’m at home, my favorite thing to cook is Jamaican jerk chicken. I love spending time in the kitchen and on cooking on the grill. I’m excited to see the back of house in action on Friday!
What are you most looking forward hosting to this evening?
First and foremost, this event is about providing support and resources within the Asperger/Autism community. I’m thrilled to give back and spend my time doing the most good with the fortunate position I’m in.
As we chatted about before, I love to cook and be in the kitchen. Ocean Prime is one of my favorite restaurants so I’m looking forward to jumping in the kitchen to talk to the chefs before the evening begins and maybe pick up a trick or two in the kitchen. Of course, I’m looking forward to serving the Patriots fans. Without them, I wouldn’t be so blessed to use my time as a force for positivity.
